POLICE have issued a warning to shoppers following a spate of thefts from purses and handbags.
Over the last month there has been 12 reported offences, open or unattended bags have been raided by thieves in Braintree and Witham.
Inspector Mick Couldridge of Braintree Police is urging residents to be vigilant and if necessary attach a bell to the zip of any bag.
He said: "We urge shoppers to keep their purses and wallets with them at all times and to keep handbags zipped up and worn to the front rather than over the shoulder of your back where offenders can dip into them unnoticed.
"We also advise attaching a cat's bell, or similar, to the zip of your bag and purse so you may be alerted to a thief trying to undo it.
"People do tend to ignore their own instincts and do not act when something makes them suspicious; so we would also urge shoppers to check their bag/purse immediately they become suspicious of anyone standing or moving too close to them and for other shoppers to be vigilant too.
"Members of public should alert members of staff to call security and/or the police as soon as possible whenever they see someone acting suspiciously or if they think they have fallen victim to a crime."
Anyone with any information about thefts is asked to contact Essex Police 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
