Two women have had their purses stolen from their shopping carts in recent days at grocery stores, prompting Lawrence Police to remind shoppers to be on the alert.

Diana Dyal, 56, was shopping on March 12 at Hy-Vee, 4000 W. Sixth St., when her purse was stolen.

“I had my purse and a couple other things in the cart and apparently turned my back without paying attention. That’s the only thing I can think of,” she said.

The purse contained items including her bus pass, an inhaler and a handicapped placard for her vehicle.

A similar theft happened late Friday morning at Dillons, 3000 W. Sixth St. In that case, the 58-year-old victim’s purse was found behind the store with items including $90 cash missing.

“We want to make sure people are aware” that the crimes have been happening, said Kim Murphree, a Lawrence Police spokeswoman.