Women are flocking to buy rape alarms after a string of sex attacks in Southend.

Sales of the hand-held alarms rocketed after a number of attacks on women in the town over the past few months.

The alarms - which emit a high-pitched screech - are available to women through the Southend and Leigh Crime Prevention Panels and through Neighbourhood Watch schemes borough wide.

Members of Leigh Crime Prevention Panel heard at their latest meeting that sales have soared over the last few months.

Many more are expected to be sold during a week-long crime busting initiative being run by Southend Crime Prevention Panel in April.

Shirley Morris, Southend's community crime liaison officer, said recent reports of late night attacks on lone women had sparked a rush for the alarms.

She said: "At the time of reports of attacks in the town I was receiving calls from women of all ages - one girl was just 13. If they make women feel safer then they are worth having."

Councillor Gwen Horrigan, chairman of the Leigh panel, added: "Some 600 alarms have passed through the hands of this panel in the last two years.

"That is 600 women who are now out and about doing what they have to with peace of mind."

The alarms, which cost £5, will be available together with a host of other crime prevention advice at the Southend Crime Prevention Panel's week long crime prevention exhibition at the Royals, Southend, from April 19 to 24.

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