An extra 200 purse chains will be distributed in Henley this week after an overwhelming demand for them from shoppers in the town.

The South Oxfordshire Community Safety Partnership has funded the extra chains to help residents secure their purses when they are out shopping. The original chains were distributed by the Henley neighbourhood policing team as part of an initiative in September to reduce purse thefts in the town.

On December 13, outside Woolworths in Bell Street, Henley, Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) will be distributing 150 purse chains and providing advice on handbag security to foil the thieves.

The remaining purse chains will be available at Henley Police station front counter on request.

Crime Reduction Adviser Julia Wheeler, said: “Purse thefts have been on the increase in South Oxfordshire towns, and more thefts are likely in the busy shopping period before Christmas.

“Most of the victims of theft have been elderly ladies out shopping. The thieves are taking advantage of the fact that they are distracted and are grabbing purses out of their handbags when they are not looking or have left their handbags in a shopping trolley and unattended. There have also been thefts from charity shops, day centres and post offices.

“It is especially important at this time of year to be extra vigilant when we are out and about as thieves who come into busy towns are on the lookout for the opportunity to steal purses and wallets. We are also reminding the public to hide their PIN numbers when they are using their card in shops as there have been a couple of incidents where thieves working together have taken a note of the PIN number in the shop, then distracted the shopper outside and stolen their purse.

“Unfortunately elderly ladies are a particular target for this type of theft, especially if they have taken their hands and eyes off their handbag - which is why we are issuing purse chains to increase their awareness and help them keep their valuables secure."