TWO women have been arrested less than 24 hours after police launched a campaign to combat purse and hand-bag thefts in Droitwich.

Two women shoppers had their purses stolen in two separate incidents only a day after police launched a campaign to prevent callous thieves preying on the vulnerable.

The first incident happened in St Andrew's Street just before 11.30am on Saturday, November 14.

The second took place in Salters Shopping Centre around 12.10pm the same day. Two Birmingham women were arrested around 2pm in Bromsgrove.

Only 24 hours earlier, town centre beat manager Lloyd Buffery undertook high-visibility advice sessions outside Safeway. He highlighted handbag and purse thefts in shops and pubs by talking to shoppers, pointing out the dangers of not being vigilant.

Eight incidents had already been reported since Monday, September 1, a figure marginally higher than last year.

A force spokesman said: "We have had a recent rise in the theft of ladies' purses and handbags in both shops and public houses in the town centre.

"In the main, victims are middle-aged or elderly. The handbags are being left unattended in shopping trolleys and while people are enjoying themselves in the pub and are comparatively easy to steal or take items from.

"We would also urge anyone in a public place not to be casual with their belongings and to either put them away safely or keep them where they can see them at all times. It only takes a few seconds for a thief to strike"

Cllr John Cook (Lab-West) was particularly keen that the elderly heeded this police warning.

It's regrettable at this time of the year that these sort of things should be happening but it is important that particularly the elderly put their money away safely and do not leave their purses and handbags open to the general public.

"Pensioners are also vulnerable when picking up their pension and should make sure that their money is in a secure place and no-one sees where they are putting it."