POLICE are appealing for information to trace distraction thieves who targeted elderly motorists with a map in Monmouth town centre.

Gwent Police told how an 84-year-old woman had her purse stolen and cash withdrawn from her bank account after helping two people who appeared to be lost in Drybridge Street.

The pair were holding a map and while the victim was distracted speaking to the man, the woman entered her car parked nearby, and stole her purse containing a number of credit cards.

Money has since been withdrawn from the victim's bank account, a police spokesman said.

The theft happened on May 28.

Then on June 10, a 63-year-old woman was approached on Glendower Street by a woman holding a map asking for directions.

She became suspicious and looked back to her car where she saw a man inside.

She recognised the man as someone who had been outside a bank she had been to earlier. Nothing was stolen on this occasion.

The man in both incidents is described as being between 40 and 60 years old and with a tanned complexion.

The female is younger, of slight build, with blonde hair. They were both smartly dressed and spoke limited English.

Officers are investigating these incidents and ask that anyone with information calls 101 quoting the log reference number 265 28/05/15.