Police launch Xmas anti-purse snatch initiatve

Speaking a day after an elderly shopper had her purse stolen in a Devonshire Road store, Sergeant Warren Downs said Bexhill is suffering less of a problem than Eastbourne and Hastings.

But he said that out-of-town thieves were coming into Bexhill and preying on the elderly and unwary.

Officers have been handing out crime prevention information packs.

He said: "We are flooding the town centre to try and reduce purse thefts. We had only one yesterday. It is mainly elderly shoppers that they are targeting and we need to make them aware that they should take basic precautions.

A handy card, sponsored for police by the Safer Rother Partnership and Bexhill Locksmiths, gives four-point advice:

*Do not leave handbags unattended in trolleys

*Do not carry a large amount of cash

*Carry your purse/wallet separately from your bag

*Keep your bag securely fastened at all times