Pensioners have purses, money and phones stolen in Greater Manchester shops 'The elderly people didn't even know they had even been a victim until afterwards' The victims were distracted and targeted while shopping in Longsight, Moss Side and Manchester city centre (Image: Adam Vaughan ) A suspected pickpocket has been arrested after four pensioners had their purses, money and phones stolen. Police say the victims, who are aged between 74 and 94, were deliberately 'preyed upon' because of their age and weren't aware they'd been pickpocketed until afterwards. They were distracted and targeted while in charity shops and food shops in Longsight, Moss Side and Manchester city centre earlier this month. ‌ Detectives have now arrested a 42-year-old woman on suspicion of theft. She remains in custody for questioning. ‌ Det Con Hazel Hatton said: "In these cases, the elderly people didn’t even know they had even been a victim until afterwards. We believe they were deliberately distracted and preyed on because of their age. "Crimes like these can have a long-lasting and devastating impact on victims, leaving them with anxiety that can affect their lives going forward. We have intensified hotspot patrols in areas to increase visibility, and target those who are intent on committing crime to make sure Manchester is a safe place to live, work and visit." Day in day out, our reporters in the Manchester Evening News newsroom bring you remarkable stories from all aspects of Mancunian life. However, with the pace of life these days, the frenetic news agenda and social media algorithms, you might not be getting a chance to read it. Article continues below That's why every week our Features and Perspectives editor Rob Williams brings you Unmissable, highlighting the best of what we do - bringing it to you directly from us. Make sure you don't miss out, and see what else we have to offer, by clicking here and signing up for MEN Daily News. And be sure to join our politics writer Jo Timan every Sunday for his essential commentary on what matters most to you in Greater Manchester each week in our newsletter Due North. You can also sign up for that here. You can also get all your favourite content from the Manchester Evening News on WhatsApp. Click here to see everything we offer, including everything from breaking news to Coronation Street. Article continues below If you prefer reading our stories on your phone, consider downloading the Manchester Evening News app here, and our news desk will make sure every time an essential story breaks, you'll be the first to hear about it. And finally, if there is a story you think our journalists should be looking into, we want to hear from you. Email us on newsdesk@men-news.co.uk or give us a ring on 0161 211 2920.