BOGUS charity collectors have stolen money from a string of victims.

People in Evesham and Pershore have been approached by two women claiming to be collecting for either a deaf or disability charity.

Police have released CCTV images of two women they wish to speak to, who may have information that can help their investigations.

Between 1pm and 2pm on Wednesday at Riverside Shopping Centre, two sisters in their 70s and 80s were approached by two women collecting money for the disabled.

They requested a small donation and the pair's signatures for proof of identification but the victims later noticed that money had been taken from their purses.

A similar incident took place on Tuesday April 18 at around 2pm on Pershore High Street.

A couple in their 60s had been approached by two women near ASDA requesting them to sign a petition for the disabled and blind children.

For confirmation they have asked to see identification and a signature, it is at this point that they have placed a form over the victim's wallet and money has been taken.

The women were also reported to police for attempting to use the same distraction method in WHSmiths at around 1.46pm.

An incident also took place in Oswestry, Shropshire where a woman in her 70s was approached by two women for a hearing aid charity but refused to give any money.

The victim later noticed that money had been taken from her purse.

The two offenders are believed to be Eastern European women with shoulder length dark brown wavy hair and in their early to mid 20s, around 5 ft 2ins to 5 ft 5ins in height. They were wearing dark clothing.

Detective constable Dan Griffiths said: "We are keen to speak to anyone who recognises either of the women in the CCTV image.

"This was a distraction technique theft and it's quite a malicious one, as it preys on people's vulnerabilities and generosity for those in need.

"The message is to be vigilant at all times and not leave valuables on show. If anyone has information please contact us on 101."

Anyone with information, call police on 101, quoting 0344S.