Tesco has warned shoppers to beware of thieves after a customer's bag containing a treasured note from her late daughter was stolen.
Pat Cole said she was shopping at the retail giant's store in Mogden Lane, Isleworth, in February when her bag was stolen.
Along with about £60 cash and more than £100 worth of Marks & Spencer Christmas vouchers, the bag contained a short letter from her daughter Alison, written shortly before she died of heart disease five years ago, aged just 39.
The 78-year-old, of Worple Road, Isleworth, said staff told her another customer had been targeted that day and there had been a spate of thefts over Christmas.
She said she asked the store manager to put a sign up at the entrance warning customers to beware of thieves, only to be told it would not be possible.
"The theft really had a bad effect on me and I wanted to ensure other shoppers wouldn't have to go through the same thing, which is why I asked for warning signs," she said.
"It was very short-sighted not to put up a notice. I think they were worried it might put people off shopping there, but I still use the store. It's just made me keep a closer eye on my belongings."
However, when getwestlondon contacted Tesco, a spokeswoman said it had now ensured 'appropriate signage' was up at the store.
"We were concerned to hear of the incidents that have happened in our store. We are working hard to support the police with their investigations and have ensured we have appropriate signage in the store," said the spokeswoman.
Ms Cole said she was pleased a sign had now gone up at the entrance to the store but disappointed it had taken so long.
