An elderly woman had her handbag stolen as she tried to park her car.

Police have released a CCTV image of a man they want to speak to in relation to a handbag theft in Abbots Langley at around 11am on October 12.

A woman in her 80s was parking her car in a residential road when a man tapped on her passenger window. When she wound down the window her bag was stolen from the passenger seat.

Anyone who recognises the man pictured or has any other information about the theft is asked to contact PC Abbi Symes via the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference 41/45593/18. You can also report information online at www.herts.police.uk/Report

Alternatively, you can contact the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through their Anonymous Online Form at New windowwww.crimestoppers-uk.org

Hertfordshire Police said they are investigating a series of handbag thefts from vehicles in the Abbots Langley area over the past few months. Similar incidents have been reported in Hemel Hempstead and St Albans.

They issued the following advice:

• Do not leave handbags and other items of value in view or on your passenger seat, as doing so may attract opportunist thieves

• When you are getting in and out of your vehicle, be extra vigilant and aware of anybody that you do not know approaching your vehicle

• If somebody knocks on your window whilst you are in the vehicle, do not open the window/ keep doors locked unless you know who they are