SHOPPERS are being given an extra warning their purse is being stolen thanks to a special bag alarm.

The purse alarm is being handed to people as they shop in Kidderminster and Bromsgrove in the run-up to Christmas, following a spate of thefts from the town centres.

Kidderminster Police Sergeant Louise Meeson said: "The alarms are designed to be attached to both the purse and the bag. If the purse is removed, the pin comes out, which sounds a very loud 40 decibel alarm, alerting not only the owner but other passers-by."

PC Spike Jenkins, of Bromsgrove Police, said owners of purse thefts were of all ages, although they tended to be elderly women.

He said: "Purse crime is rare and both Bromsgrove and Kidderminster remain very safe places in which to shop, but the alarms offer extra reassurance for older people in the run-up to Christmas and we hope they will help to prevent further purse thefts.

"Many victims are left very shaken and distressed by purse thefts, especially when they have been saving their pensions or hard-earned cash for Christmas, but they can help themselves a lot by being vigilant and staying aware of who is around them."

Kidderminster Police have 1,000 alarms to give away, which will be handed out tomorrow from 10am to 1pm.

Shoppers in Bromsgrove can collect their alarms from the Edinburgh Woollen Mill from early next week. Numbers are limited and priority will be given to elderly people who regular shop in the centres.

Witnesses or anyone with information about purse thefts are asked to contact police on 08457 444888 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.