POLICE in Wisbech will be offering safety advice and selling personal alarms following a spate of handbag and purse thefts in the town. PCSO Michelle Bax and Kirsty Miller, community contact officer, will be at Market Place on Friday September 22 between

POLICE in Wisbech will be offering safety advice and selling personal alarms following a spate of handbag and purse thefts in the town.

PCSO Michelle Bax and Kirsty Miller, community contact officer, will be at Market Place on Friday September 22 between 11am and 2pm.

PCSO Michelle Bax said: "We have had a number of handbag thefts in the town during the last few weeks and would urge women to ensure their handbags are kept secure at all times.

"On Friday we will be offering personal safety advice and will be selling personal alarms."

To reduce the chance of becoming a victim:

* Carry your bag close to you with the clasp facing inwards. Keep it zipped up and make sure your wallet or purse can't be seen.

* Spread your possessions about - for example keep your mobile phone separate from your purse and your keys separate from your credit card.

* If you use a wheelchair or have a child in a pushchair, keep your things beside you rather than on the back of the chair.

* Try not to be conspicuous about the valuables you are carrying.

* Don't carry large amounts of cash.

If you would like any further information on personal safety ring your local community safety department on 0845 456 456 4.