POLICE have teamed up with staff in Kidderminster stores to tackle the town's purse thieves.

Officers are working with store employees to help improve security awareness to tackle the recent spate of thefts. Several shoppers have had their purses stolen while they were in town centre stores and supermarkets.

Posters warning shoppers to keep handbags secure and out of sight are now being displayed in shop windows.

Town centre beat manger, PC Clive Llewellyn, said: "We have been carrying out high visibility patrols in the town centre and have been making sure every store is displaying a poster warning people about the recent purse thefts and how they can prevent themselves from being targeted."

He added that store workers were also receiving regular security warnings.

"Through the Store Watch scheme store workers receive regular radio reminders asking them to be vigilant and look out for vulnerable customers who will then be given security advice," he explained.

Purse thieves have struck in several stores, including Woolworths, Sainsburys, Tesco and Safeway.

Warning signs shoppers are being advised to be aware of include people brushing against them when they are in stores and to beware of distractions.

Leaving bags unattended on trolleys can also encourage thieves to steal purses.

Police are also working with CCTV operators as part of their strategy to target and identify offenders.