Anti-theft chains snapped up

A free purse chain was snapped up every 12 seconds by crime-conscious shoppers in Bognor Regis town centre.

The demand for the more than 850 anti-theft devices overwhelmed the two Sussex Police representatives handing them out.

Sgt Craig Wilkie, responsible for day to day policing in the retail area, and the crime prevention officer for Arun, Trevor Cox, were constantly surrounded by shoppers last Saturdaymorning.

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The initiative was launched after an average of two purse thefts a day had occurred in the town centre in recent weeks.

The crimes had taken place when elderly shoppers had been distracted by the criminals or had left their purses on public view.

All the purse chains, designed to keep the items safe, were handed out in just three hours. Mr Cox said: 'This was a way to show the people of Bognor that Chief Inspector Brian Bracher and his team will do all they can to make the Arun district a safer place to live in and visit.

'So, purse thieves should beware they are not welcome here because purses are chained.'

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