Police have noticed a sharp rise in recent weeks in the number of wallets, purses and handbags being stolen.

And they say people hunting for Christmas gifts are seen as easy pickings for opportunist thieves.

Police say gangs, as well as individuals, often dressed smartly, are operating in shopping centres across the Portsmouth area.

Top of their hit list are elderly and vulnerable people.

This week saw the beginning of a police campaign to clamp down on thieves, and police were out in force in Waterlooville town centre.

Lanyards – which are cords that attach a purse or wallet to a bag or person – were being offered for free to shoppers.

In the Waterlooville area police are homing in on two women pickpockets, as well as a man who operates alone.

They are busy collating CCTV footage to track the offenders. There have been 20 offences in the Waterlooville area over the last month.

Sergeant Richard Bell said: 'I think they are fitting in quite well.
'We have a man on CCTV and he does look quite respectable and blends in well. We are just trying to get the message out there for people to look after their bag.

'Everybody at the station is concerned because elderly and vulnerable people are being picked on. It's just not right.'

Police have teamed up with Waitrose and have been handing out 'Clipit Safe' lanyards to shoppers.

Sgt Bell said: 'These are long pieces of material that connect to a purse and bag so the purse can still be removed from a bag for use but cannot be snatched.

'We have been working to try and reduce these crimes including a recent plain clothes and high-visibility policing operation within Waterlooville town centre.

'These operations will continue with officers dedicating their efforts to stop these crimes from happening.'

Police have 500 free lanyards available from Waitrose, in Dukes Walk, or Waterlooville police station.

For police advice on foiling the pickpockets, click Next Page.