People in Royston are urged to make sure their valuables are secure while out shopping after a spate of purse thefts, with the latest happening this morning.

Four incidents have been reported to police in just over two weeks, with three happening in or outside Morrisons in the town.

The first occurred between 1pm and 1.15pm on Monday, November 21, where a woman’s purse was taken from her bag in the Baldock Street supermarket.

Then on Thursday, December 1, a woman’s purse was stolen when the victim put it down on a counter in Barnardo’s charity shop in Angel Pavement, while she paid for a raffle ticket at 11.30am.

A third theft was reported after a purse was taken from a woman’s handbag placed in a shopping trolley at Morrisons between 12.30pm and 2pm on Friday, December 2.

And today, between 9.30am and 10am, a woman’s bag was taken as she waited at the bus stop outside Morrisons in Baldock Road.

The victim had placed her bag on a wall. The bag was recovered but cash had been taken from inside.

PSCO Penny Tomsett said: “I would like to remind shoppers to make sure they keep their valuables on them and keep personal items hidden.

“Never leave your bag in a supermarket trolley while doing your shopping, do not put your purse down on the counter when paying and use a handbag that you can wear across your body that has a secure zip or fold over closure.

“If possible don’t carry large sums of money and never keep pin numbers in your purse.

“Anti-dipping bells are really useful to alert you should someone try and take your purse and can also be attached to other valuable items such as mobile phones.

“Thieves want you to pay for their Christmas and will attempt to distract you or will wait for a moment when you are focussing on something else to take advantage. It only takes a few seconds for them to dip into your handbag and grab your purse.

“Don’t make it easy by following the crime prevention advice and remaining vigilant.”

If you have information about any of these incidents contact police on 101.