LIGHT-fingered thieves will think twice about targeting shoppers in Christchurch, thanks to a new scheme set to safeguard residents and visitors.

Due to a national increase in the theft of purses from handbags, the Christchurch Safer Neighbourhood Team, together with Christchurch Borough Council, has launched a campaign to "Keep it closed and keep it close".

More than 500 purse alarms were given out to shoppers in the town on Friday and posters reminding people to keep their handbags closed are also being put up around Christchurch.

PC Brenda Traylen from the Safer Neighbourhood Team said: "Christchurch is a lovely town to visit and has some great shops in it.

"I am determined that visitors and residents are able to visit here and enjoy their shopping without having to worry about their purse being stolen.

"By giving out free purse alarms, we hope that those thieves who prey on our visitors and residents will think twice as now they will be in for a surprise if they try to steal a purse."

Cllr Mike Duckworth added: "The real problem in Christchurch is more about the fear of crime as the town has one of the lowest crime rates in the country.

"Hopefully these alarms will alleviate people's concerns somewhat, as well as being an effective deterrent."

The alarms can be bought at some High Street shops, the library and the Civic Offices.