A TEAM of hang bag thieves are operating in the Fens a police inspector warned today. Police are urging people to take extra care with their handbag, purses and wallets following an alarming increase in the number of thefts in the last few days. A majorit

A TEAM of hang bag thieves are operating in the Fens a police inspector warned today.

Police are urging people to take extra care with their handbag, purses and wallets following an alarming increase in the number of thefts in the last few days.

A majority of the thefts have been in supermarkets where the thieves have taken the handbag from a trolley, while the owner is looking elsewhere.

There have been eight reported incidents in Fenland since February 4, and the team are also believed to be operating in the Huntingdon area.

The thieves have targeted Tesco, Sainsbury's and Somerfield and four of the recent incidents have been in the town of March.

There has also been a handbag taken in New Look in Wisbech

March Sector Insp Andy Sullivan said: "We want to advice people to keep their handbag close to them at all times.

"Make sure your purse is zipped securely inside your handbag and keep your handbag in front of you at all times."

As part of an effort to educate people on how to prevent handbag snatches, officers have been visiting local supermarkets offering advice along with handing out purse alarms.

Insp Sullivan said the team of thieves were targeting people while they were distracted carrying out their shopping.

He added: "Losing your purse or wallet will cause you a great deal of anxiety and we would urge people to keep hold of it at all times."

Officers will be handing out purse alarms to people in March on Wednesday.