POLICE are urging shoppers to be especially vigilant following a spate of handbag thefts in Droitwich.

Thieves have been preying on shoppers around the town centre snatching bags from supermarket trolleys and pubs.

Officers say that since Monday, September 1, eight people have reported having their handbags or purses snatched while they were out shopping or chatting to friends.

"We have had a recent rise in the theft of ladies' purses and handbags, in both shops and pubs, in the town centre," said a police spokesman. "In the main, victims are middle-aged or elderly.

"The handbags are being left unattended in shopping trolleys and while people are enjoying themselves in the pub.

"We would also urge anyone in a public place not to be casual with their belongings and to either put them away safely or keep them where they can see them at all times. It only take a few seconds for a thief to strike."

To warn people of the dangers they face when leaving their bags unattended, police officers will patrol outside Safeway supermarket, in the Covercroft Centre, St Andrew's Square, tomorrow.

They will speak to shoppers carrying their bags in trolleys, warning them that they risk being targeted by a thief while their attention is diverted.

John Deakin, manager of Safeway, said: "The store has become involved as we are strong supporters of local initiatives.

"We have always worked closely with the police and these ideas were mentioned just over a month ago and are now being put into place.

"Handbag theft is a problem for all retailers and everyone tries to help in any way they can to reduce the occurrence of thefts.

"We have noticed that in the last few months there has been a spate of thefts in the area as a whole.

"We strongly feel that by giving our customers another reminder to be aware, it can only benefit them."

Mr Deakin added that the store had its own security team.