Members of the Lynn North Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) will be talking to shoppers to raise the profile of purse dipping, while giving advice on how to combat such thefts and offering purse alarms for sale.

The team will be based at a stand in Broad Street as part of an on-going initiative to help prevent purse thefts in the town centre following a recent spate.

Sergeant Trevor Smith said: "Shoppers, especially females, can often be an easy target for opportunist thieves with purses carelessly left on display on shop counters or in open bags.

"Preventing purse dipping – as it is often referred to – is relatively simple and we hope people will take the opportunity to come to chat with us and find out how they can keep their belongings safe when they are out and about."

In July, 14 purses or wallets were reported stolen in the town centre, ten of which were attributed to purse dippers.

Although there have been no such reports in August, town centre police are keen to alert shoppers to the potential risks.

The team has been working closely with retailers and CCTV operators to identify potential suspects, a partnership which proved successful earlier this year when two women from London were arrested for a series of purse dippings in the town.

As part of the initiative shoppers are being reminded to keep bags closed at all times, to put purses away before leaving the till, keep cash secure and out of sight and avoid carrying a wallet or purse in a back trouser pocket.

Members of the SNT will be opposite TK Maxx, in Broad Street, between 11am and 2pm tomorrow (Thursday).

They will also be using the opportunity to remind cyclists that cycling in pedestrian areas is banned and they risk a £30 fine if caught.

To contact a member of the SNT call 0845 456 4567 or email SNTNorthlynn@norfolk.pnn.police.uk