Officers joining shoppers in blitz

Undercover police will be mingling with Christmas shoppers in Kidderminster town centre in bid to crack down on purse thieves.

Officers expect purse thefts to rocket in the run-up to Christmas when criminals try to take advantage of crowded stores and distracted shoppers likely to be carrying more cash than usual.

Uniformed and plain-clothed officer numbers will be increased.

A 68-year-old woman had her purse containing £140 stolen in the Card Factory shop in Worcester Street on November 20 and a 65-year-old woman had her purse containing £35 stolen.

A woman also had her wallet stolen in Weavers Wharf on November 25.

Town centre-based Pc Clive Llewellyn said: "We hope the high visibility patrols by uniformed officers will give reassurance, while the plain clothes officers will be mingling with shoppers, and keeping an eye on any suspects."

Recorded crime prevention messages will be broadcast in stores, alerting shoppers that purse thieves and pickpockets are operating in the area and reminding them to be vigilant and keep their valuables safe.

Posters and leaflets to raise awareness are also being displayed at shops and banks around the town.