Police have released an electronic image of the man they believe has snatched eight handbags from cars across Mole Valley.

The bag snatcher struck eight times within a week at the end of Feburary and start of March in Ashtead, Dorking, Fetcham, North Holmwood, and Bookham.

The man took the bags from moving and stationary cars on roads and in car parks including the one in Woodfield Lane, Ashtead.

Thefts were all between 5pm and 9pm and the victims were aged between 18 and 74 years old.

The thief is tall, white, slim, and wears dark clothing including a beanie hat and a black and a grey hooded top.  

His tactic was to spot a handbag on the seat of then open the door and grab it - usually when the victims were inside. 

Detective Sergeant Oana King, from Epsom CID, said: "Each one of these thefts has left the victim understandably shaken and detectives are working closely with local officers in the area to find the person responsible and bring them to justice as this behaviour simply will not be tolerated.

"I would urge people to take sensible precautions such as locking your car doors and keeping valuables including handbags out of sight and do not leave them on the passenger seat even when you are in the car."

Anyone with information should to contact Surrey Police on 101, quoting reference MV/13/704, or to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.