Hundreds of chains handed out to Southampton shopers

It follows an increase in purse snatches across the city in the run up to the festive season.

Mobile phones and handbags have also been pinched – with police recording more than 70 incidents in recent months.

Now Southampton business Against crime (SOBAC) – made up of 103 city firms – is attempting to tackle the problem by issuing hundreds of purse chains to shoppers.

Older people in particular are being encouraged to use the chains to attach purses to the inside of bags.

The scheme is being backed by the Daily Echo and from tomorrow we will be giving away hundreds more of the metal chains.

Police have already started to issue the items in the city centre while handing out security advice.

A spokesman confirmed that 73 incidents of pickpocketing have occurred since the start of October, with thefts taking place both day and night.

They believe the criminals are chancing their luck, swiping a purse or phone from the inside of a handbag, sometimes using others to distract unsuspecting victims.

Roy Russell, crime reduction manager of SOBAC, which has funded the chains, said: “The people being targeted are vulnerable and we decided to work with the police to keep this out of the city centre.

“We have seen an increase in the amount of purse snatches at this time of year and we’d encourage people to use this simple device to protect their purse.

“The chains are going like hot cakes and the response has been remarkable and that can only be a good thing. They will make shoppers feel safer and hopefully deter thieves so we can crack down on crime.

“People do not realise that most of the businesses here talk to each other. We are all linked to each other and to the police.”

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