POLICE have launched an anti-theft campaign, after creating special purse lanyards to hand out in Hedge End.

Since May this year, officers in Hedge End have recorded 11 thefts of purses, and although most victims have been women aged over 60, they say it can happen to anyone.

PCSO Woodcock noticed the issue and alerted local businesses, asking for their help to fund lanyards to prevent purses from being stolen.

The Co-op store on Lower Northam Road, Southampton, and Southampton Phone Repairs both then began working with the police, and 400 lanyards were created to hand out across Hedge End North and South.

She said: "It’s coming up to the busy Christmas period, so now is a really good time to be extra vigilant and make sure you’re keeping your valuables safe when you’re out shopping.

“It’s important to be mindful of your bag in busy, crowded places, watch out for distraction techniques like nudging or bumping and remember to keep your bags zipped up at all times.

“The whole Neighbourhood Policing Team will be out in Hedge End North and South looking to give these out to people over the coming days and weeks. I would really like to thank the Co-op and Southampton Phone Repairs for funding this initiative and hope it inspires other businesses to support us. We only have a limited number to give out, so we would be very grateful to any other local businesses who can fund some more."

The lanyard is a strap that works by clipping one end of the strap to your bag and the other end to your purse, which then prevents your purse being stolen.

Each lanyard advertises the funding business on one side and on the other, the Hampshire Alerts website, where members of the public can register to receive free crime and community information for where they live.

If you know a business that would be interested in funding more lanyards, contact eastleigh.police@hampshire.pnn.police.uk.