CHRISTMAS shoppers in Holmes Chapel are being urged to stay vigilant after a spate of purse thefts.

The thefts have been carried out near supermarkets in the areas covered by Crewe Local Policing Unit, which includes Holmes Chapel, Sandbach, Alsager Middlewich and Nantwich.

Officers are reminding people to keep an eye on their handbags as the thefts will often occur when the victim is distracted.

PCSO Lawrence Price, of Crewe Police, 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."

This is not the first time that people in Holmes Chapel have received warnings about a higher level of criminal activity. In the past two months residents in Holmes Chapel have raised their concerns about doorstop distraction burglars operating in the area, which has resulted in a region-wide alert from Cheshire Police.

People believed that the area was being targeted by criminals who were pretending to sell pieces of art in order to gain access to their homes.

As a result of the property thefts, the police are offering purse bells, which will help to alert someone to a would-be thief.

Members of the public who would like a purse bell can pick one up from the help desk at Crewe Police Station or alternatively can attend a police crime prevention stall which will be hosted by PCSO Tracy Burndred at Tesco, Vernon Way, Crewe on Saturday November 21 from 10am to 2pm.

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 immediately.