DETECTIVES have released images of two women they would like to speak with in connection with the latest in a series of Rolex watch thefts.

Between 12.30pm and 1pm on Tuesday, September 21, a man aged in his 90s was approached by two women in Links Road, Poole.

One of the women had a clipboard and was asking the man to sign a petition for a charity. After he signed it, the woman pulled the victim in for a hug and they then left the scene.

A few minutes later the man discovered his watch was missing.

Detective Sergeant Karen Penn, of Dorset Police’s Priority Crime Team, said: “We have been carrying out enquiries into this incident, which is being linked to a series of similar Rolex thefts in the area.

“As part of our investigation, we have obtained images of the female suspects and the car they were seen to get into following the incident.

“I appreciate the images are not great quality, but I am hopeful they may help jog someone’s memory and I would urge anyone with information to please contact us.

“The women involved are described as Eastern European and I would like to take this opportunity to urge people to remain vigilant if they are approached in similar circumstances, particularly if you are wearing a high value watch or item of jewellery.”

Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police at dorset.police.uk, by emailing 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55210152820.

Alternatively, to stay anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.

As reported, there is has been multiple reports of Rolex watches being stolen across Dorset this summer.

Issuing a message to residents to remain vigilant in August, DS Penn said: "The victims in these cases are generally men aged around 70 or older and we would urge members of the public to talk to any elderly relatives who could be targeted by this kind of offending to make them aware of these incidents."

The detective added: "We would continue to urge anyone who has been a victim of an offence of this nature to report it to police and we would also like to hear from anyone who has come across expensive watches such as Rolexes being offered for sale in suspicious circumstances.”