A BEAT bobbie was outside Safeway supermarket in Droitwich yesterday to warn shoppers of the dangers of leaving their handbags unattended.

Pc Lloyd Buffery, beat manager for Droitwich town centre, was outside the store, in the Covercroft Centre, St Andrew's Square, to speak with shoppers about the importance of keeping their eyes on their belongings while out shopping.

He also warned those carrying bags in their trolleys that they risked being targeted by a thief while their attention was diverted.

The safety drive follows an increase in the number of handbags and purses snatched from town centre supermarkets and pubs.

"It went really well," said Rudi Lane, deputy manager Safeway's Droitwich store..

"Everyone understood what he was saying as it's obviously going to help them out at the end of the day."