In the first theft, a purse was stolen from a woman's handbag on Monday at 11.30am while she was shopping in a card store.

Shortly before this, a suspicious female had been seen hurrying out of the store.

She is described as white, around 5ft 6in tall, with dark hair and a ponytail. She was wearing a denim jacket and short jeans.

Two days later, thieves struck between 9.30am and 10am while she a woman was shopping.

And yesterday, a third purse was stolen from a handbag between 11am and 11.45am.

The recent wave of thefts has prmpted Suffolk Police to warn shoppers and traders about pick-pockets.

"The message we'd most like to get across to shoppers is to be aware of their surroundings - don't leave your bag unattended, keep it on you and done up at all times," said a police spokeswoman.

"Don't carry around valuables or large sums of money, and don't write down your PIN as thieves can then use this to access your bank accounts using cards from the purse."

Anyone with information on these crimes should contact Newmarket Police on 01284 774100 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.