Shoppers are being warned to be vigilant during the busy sales following a spate of handbag and purse thefts.

These handbag and purse thefts normally take place in the pre-Christmas rush. So, people doing their Christmas should be vigilant at all times and keep belongings, particularly handbags and purses, close to them.

These are not merely opportunist offenses and thieves will often target elderly and vulnerable people.

People are advised to buy handbag or purse alarms to safeguard their handbags or purses.

Tags: busy sales, festive shoppers, handbag and purse thefts, pickpockets, pre-Christmas rush, purse alarms, shoppers