PICKPOCKETS are once again operating in Petersfield town centre as a pensioner nearly became a victim on Sunday.

Two men who staked a male in his 70s through Waitrose were interrupted by a passer-by before they could steal his wallet in central car park.

The incident took place around 1.20pm with the pair being described as dark haired Eastern Europeans in their late 30s, between 5ft 9 inches and 6ft 11inches.

The former was wearing a tobacco-coloured coat and hunter’s hat while the latter had a biggish build and wore a white puffer jacket.

The pick-pockets often operate between around 3 and 4pm on Sunday according to a confident.