Purse thefts escalate in town centre

The high toll of crime victims has prompted the police to hold a crime prevention event in the shopping area this Saturday.

Free purse chains will be handed out from a high-profile CCTV van parked in the London Road precinct.

Police staff will also be present to speak about crime-prevention advice.

A Sussex Police spokeswoman said several incidents of purse thefts from handbags had been reported in the town centre during the past few weeks.

'These thefts have taken place in busy shops including charity shops, clothing stores and supermarkets.

'It is known the mainly women suspects distract women in busy shops by knocking into them or asking questions.

'Unattended handbags left in shopping trolleys for just a few seconds are also a prime target for the thieves.'

Police officers are targeting the offenders with specific focused operations.

But the spokeswoman said the public could help themselves by keeping their handbags where they could be seen. Attaching small bells or a chain to a purse would also warn them of any tampering.

Anyone who has information about the crimes or the crime prevention event should contact PC Mark Linberry or Sergeant Craig Wilkie at Bognor Regis police station on 0845 60 70 999.