CHESHIRE Police are advising shoppers in Middlewich to be vigilant following a number of purse thefts.
There have been several purse thefts near supermarkets in Middlewich recently, as well as in Sandbach, Alsager, Holmes Chapel and Nantwich.
PCSO Lawrence Price said: “The offenders are noting pin numbers when the victims make a purchase at the till and then when they are distracted take the opportunity to steal their purse and use their cards before the victim realises their purse is missing and money has gone from their account.
"Our advice is for shoppers to keep their purses safe in their handbags and their handbags zipped and secured at all times."
As a further measure, purse bells which alert shoppers to would be thieves have been made available.
Members of the public who would like a purse bell can pick one up from the help desk at Crewe Police Station.
Anyone who sees suspicious activity should contact police on 101 and if you see suspicious activity at a till or in the car park, alert store security staff.
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