THIEVES targeting pensioners shopping in Bolton have struck 12 times in just 17 days, it has been revealed.

A major police investigation is now under way to catch the culprits who police say are preying on "the most vulnerable in our community".

Ten of the victims are elderly women aged between 70 and 90 — and detectives are linking all of the "cowardly" thefts which took place between July 6 and 23. In each case, purses or bags are snatched either near shops or close to cash machines just after the victims withdrew money.

In the most recent incident on Thursday, a 70-year-old woman in a wheelchair had her purse taken in Crompton Place shopping centre. A man offered to help push her up the ramp then made off after stealing her bag.

Both men and women are involved in the thefts but because descriptions of the offenders vary, police do not know how many.

As part of the investigation, codenamed Operation Buckbarrow, police handed out 1,000 security devices to pensioners to attach to their purses to stop them being stolen.

Det Ch Insp Rick Jackson said: “The people responsible for these attacks have displayed the utmost cowardice, targeting those that are most vulnerable in our community. We are fully committed to catching those responsible and have used maximum resources to investigate the incidents.

"It will remain a priority for us until such time that the culprits are caught."

Five of the thefts have taken place in the town centre, two in Farnworth, two in Deane, two close to Morrisons in Heaton, and one near Heywood Park in Great Lever.

Police are urging shoppers to avoid leaving bags unattended, or on the back of shopping trolleys, which was the case in many of the thefts.

They also want shoppers to be mindful and report any suspicious behaviour to shop security staff or police.

The security devices handed out fasten purses to a shopping trolley or a bag and make it harder for the thief to steal.

As well as giving out the devices, police have stepped up patrols in the town centre and other shopping areas in Bolton.

Det Ch Insp Jackson added: "As each of the victims have been targeted after withdrawing money, we are linking the thefts.

"I would ask people, particularly the elderly members of our community, to be vigilant when taking out money and be aware of their surroundings.

"If it is possible, I would also ask people to limit the amount of money they take out.”

The news comes a week after 91-year-old Lily Walsh — who uses a shopping trolley to help her walk — was punched in the face by a woman in her 20s who made off with her purse. Police say they cannot rule out a connection to the spate of pickpocketing offences but are not linking the crimes at this stage.

Descriptions of the offenders vary, but in each case, the victims say the thief was of Eastern European origin, and detectives are working on the theory that the culprits are travelling into Bolton from other areas to carry out the thefts.

Anyone with information, or any resident who would like to receive a security clip, should call police on 0161 856 5619 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.