Purse chains will be distributed to stop purse thieves by the neighbourhood policing teams for Didcot, Henley, Thame and Wallingford.

On Thursday, September 25, between 10am and noon the teams will be outside all the main supermarkets in the town and members of the public are encouraged to come along.

During the last year, purse thefts in South Oxfordshire have increased by a third to more than 100 incidents. Most of the victims have been elderly women out shopping. The thieves are taking advantage of the fact that they are distracted by doing their shopping and are grabbing purses out of their handbags when they are not looking, or have left their handbags in a shopping trolley and unattended. There have also been thefts from day centres and post offices.

To combat the thieves, South Oxfordshire Community Safety Partnership has funded 300 purse chains to help elderly residents secure their purses while out shopping.

Crime reduction advisor, Julia Wheeler said: “It is important that all members of the public know that there are thieves who come into busy towns on the lookout for the opportunity to steal purses and wallets and that we are all vigilant about the security of our valuables when we are out and about.

“People need to keep hold of their purses and wallets and, in the case of handbags, ensure they are secure and never left unattended.

“Unfortunately elderly ladies are a particular target for this type of theft, especially if they have taken their hands and eyes off their handbag - which is why we are issuing purse chains to increase their awareness and help them keep their valuables secure.”

Officers will be outside the following supermarkets to hand out the purse chains and provide advice to the public:

  • Sainsburys in Didcot
  • Tesco and Waitrose in Henley
  • Co-op and Waitrose in Thame
  • Waitrose in Wallingford.