People in Crawley are being reminded to remain vigilant after two attempts were made to snatch handbags from women.

In the first incident a man attempted to steal the handbag from a 30 year-old woman at approximately 3 o’clock Saturday morning. She was walking home along Colonsay Road in Broadfield when the offender pushed her to the ground. He failed to take the bag and ran off.

The suspect is described as black, of medium build with black facial hair and wearing dark clothing.

Shortly before 10 o’clock that same evening a 43 year-old woman was targeted on the Dousters Brook footpath in Bewbush.

The offender approached her from behind and attempted to to take her handbag. When the victim resisted, she was punched in the face. The victim fell to the floor and offender failed to take the bag, running off.

The suspect has been described as a black man, tall and thin, aged in his late 20’s and wearing dark clothing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police.