A COUNCILLOR has revealed fears a professional outfit of thieves are targeting shoppers in Southend after she had hundreds of pounds stolen.

Mandy O’Connor had her purse stolen in the car park of the Tesco Extra store off Prince Avenue during a distraction burglary.

The Labour councillor for Victoria believes the crooks may have followed her around Tesco on Saturday afternoon before approaching her as she drove away.

One man is said to have stopped her car and made false claims it had been damaged after it was hit by another vehicle.

She got out the car to look at the so-called damage, during which time another man stole her purse from inside.

The crooks then used a bank card to withdraw almost £500 at a cash point near Bridgwater Drive in Westcliff.

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Ms O’Connor said: “I feel like an idiot as they duped me and I am feeling upset about the photo of my son as it was when he was young and it’s the only one of its kind.

“I just feel gutted to think people would resort to stealing from someone like this.

“It’s just horrible and it seems to be quite professional operation they are running.”

Ms O’Connor has since contacted her bank after she received notifications on her phone of several cash withdrawals after the incident.

The bank has since agreed to return the stolen money to her account.

Ms O’Connor is now urging other shoppers in Southend to be wary of similar schemes run by thieves.

“I want people to be aware and I just keep thinking what if it had been a vulnerable or old person they had targeted,” Ms O’Connor added.

“They may not necessarily know what to do or how to cope with it.

“I feel angry at myself and am really upset by the whole thing.”

Essex Police has confirmed an investigation is underway into the theft, which happened around 2pm.

Detectives believe one of the suspects is aged in his 40s and was of slim build, with short dark grey hair.

He was wearing a dark jacket or jumper.

Anyone with information should contact 101 citing reference 42/136724/22.