Callous thieves pick on the elderly

Police have made an urgent appeal for vigilance.

Bexhill has one of the oldest populations in the country and the elderly are seen as easy targets.

Shoppers are being urged to be on their guard and Observer readers are asked to play their part in helping police catch whoever is responsible.

Bexhill police commander Inspector Dick Coates issued his appeal after the latest incident when customers in two town centre shops had their purses stolen in a single morning.

The Inspector said: "This is a despicable crime targeting the elderly residents of the area.

"Police are determined to catch the offenders and ask the public for its help in this and in making it hard for this type of crime to happen in the first place."

Inspector Coates said on Tuesday: "Today we have had another two thefts of purses from bags in the town.

"The message I need to get across to everyone is to have their purses in a secure bag and in sight the whole time.

"Do not leave them unattended and do not have them slung over their backs.

"The elderly are often the targets and these are the people who need to take the most care.

"If people have elderly relatives I ask them to check how they carry their purses and give advice on security.

"I ask that they do not carry too much money on them and always be vigilant whilst in crowded shops."

Asked what the police were doing about the problem, Inspector Coates said: "I am stepping up the patrols of community support officers in the town and also police patrols will target the area.

"I have asked all shops to put up posters warning shoppers of thieves operating in the area."

The latest thefts were at the Barby Keel Animal Sanctuary charity shop in St Leonards Road and at Somerfields supermarket in Devonshire Road.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Bexhill police station on 0845 6070999 serial 626 of May 17.