Shoppers in Essex's county town have been warned to keep a close watch on their valuables.
Following what police have described as "an extraordinarily high spate" of wallet and handbag snatches in Chelmsford in the past week, crime prevention advice has been issued to both residents and shoppers in the town to be on their guard against becoming the next victim.
PC Tina Jenkins, of Chelmsford Police, said about 12 incidents had been reported during the last week which was a dramatic rise in this sort of theft.
"They have been mainly at supermarkets where handbags have been taken out of trolleys and where shoppers have not zipped up their bags and purses have been stolen. It has happened at both the main supermarkets and in the town centre itself."
She said there had also been reports of walk-in office thefts where handbags and purses left unattended had been taken.
Anyone with any information or who can help is asked to contact either their nearest police station or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Published Tuesday, January 28, 2003
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