SUPERMARKET bosses at Sandbach have stepped up security in a bid to foil a pickpocket preying on elderly women.

Police say the offender, who has struck four times at the Safeway store in Flat Lane, has been following women picking up their pension at the nearby Post Office.

Safeway spokeswoman Lindsey Sizer said: 'We are looking at increasing security and staff have been asked to be extra vigilant.

'We believe the women were followed into the store after collecting their pensions.

'As soon as the first incident of pick-pocketing was reported to staff, the police were called and arrived on the scene very quickly.

'Warning announcements were made every five minutes over the shop's tannoy system to inform shoppers and ask them to be vigilant.

'A member of staff was placed at the entrance to the store to warn shoppers and to keep an eye out for anybody who looked suspicious. We currently have security guards at the store.'

The culprit is described as a white male wearing beige jeans and a beige hat, and carrying a large, black holdall, Anybody with information which could help police is asked to call 01606 48000, or the anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111.