MORE than 300 alarms have been handed out in a Worcestershire town to combat purse thefts.

The devices were given to shoppers in Kidderminster during the last week of June as part of a joint initiative by Kidderminster Police and Kidderminster Retail Initiative Security Partnership (KRISP).

PC Clive Llewellyn said: "What was particularly interesting was that many people said that either themselves or someone they knew had been a victim of purse theft in other parts of the country, for example when on holiday."

The alarms are fitted to a purse and bag, so if the purse is removed, a pin comes out and an alarm sounds.

Police have urged shoppers not to carry large amounts of cash and never to keep PIN numbers with bank cards.

They should be on their guard if someone tries to distract them, engage them in conversation, or brush against them.

Consider keeping a purse or wallet in an inside coat pocket or bum bag worn around the front of the waist.

Bags must be zipped and purses pushed to the bottom or placed in an inner compartment.

Keep bags close to you and never leave them unattended.

Alarms are still available from the Swan Centre management suite and Kidderminster Police Station.

Police have asked people to remind the elderly or vulnerable of these precautions.

Witnesses or anyone with information about thefts can call police on 08457 444888 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.