Elderly women are being targeted by callous thieves while in charity shops in Glasgow's west end.

A number of women have had their purses stolen from their handbags while on Byres Road and Dumbarton Road.

Read more: Man arrested over alleged robbery in King's Park

On each occasion the victims were approached and their handbags opened, with the purses being stolen without them realising.

Police Scotland have given the local charity shops in the area purse bells to hand out to customers to stop the spate of thefts.

Enquires into the incidents are at an early stage but residents are being urged to stay alert.

Read more: Man arrested over alleged robbery in King's Park

PC Colin Robertson and Martin Bartos, councillor for Partick East Kelvindale, have asked locals to try to keep their handbag to their front or side, closed and with the purse not sitting at the top.

They are also encouraged to buy a purse chain and report anything suspicious to 101 or in an emergency 999.

Read more: Man arrested over alleged robbery in King's Park