Shoppers out hunting a bargain in the sales were today warned to take extra care to make sure they are not hunted themselves for their purses.

Purse thieves are at work in Southend High Street, and according to police reports, theyb are having plenty of success.

As the shops opened their doors on Monday, shoppers were waiting for the bargains and the thieves for the shoppers.

Thefts on Sunday and Monday have already been reported to police who say sale time provides the perfect chance for opportunist thieves.

Sgt Jack Lawmon of Southend police's beat team says shoppers must be careful not to provide opportunist thieves with an offer that's too good to turn down.

He said: "Sadly, sale time is prime time for thieves.

"The shops are packed out with bargain-hunters who jostle with each other to get to what they want.

"With everyone bumping into each other it is the perfect opportunity for thieves to strike.

"At one point on Monday it was such bedlam in Next that they had to close the doors."

Sgt Lawmon and his team will once again be running a campaign to raise shoppers' awareness to the fact that purse thieves are at work in the High Street.

Shops supporting the campaign will display posters in their windows which warn of the dangers.

Sgt Lawmon added: "This is a constant problem for us but thefts do become more prevalent in the run up to Christmas and during the sales.

"Keep purses out of sight in a zipped bag."

On Sunday a woman had her purse containing £40 cash and credit cards stolen as she shopped in Marks and Spencer.

On Monday a woman had her purse taken as she shopped in Next at 3.20pm.

Also on Monday a woman had her purse containing cash and credit cards taken as she shopped in Woolworths.

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