POLICE in Felixstowe are again renewing appeals for shoppers to keep a close eye on their valuables after four more purse thefts in the town centre.In the past two months, there have been around 20 thefts of purses in the Hamilton Road area, with those targeted being mostly aged over 65, but with some younger women also having items taken.

POLICE in Felixstowe are again renewing appeals for shoppers to keep a close eye on their valuables after four more purse thefts in the town centre.

In the past two months, there have been around 20 thefts of purses in the Hamilton Road area, with those targeted being mostly aged over 65, but with some younger women also having items taken.

Police have given out 500 purse chains to try to prevent the “dip in” thefts from bags.

The latest incidents happened on Wednesday afternoon.

A blue purse, containing cash, cards and keys, was stolen from the shopping trolley of an 88-year-old woman as she shopped around 1.30pm, and a black purse, belonging to an 80-year-old woman, was taken from a handbag inside a shopping bag around 2pm.

Black purses were also taken from the bag of another 88-year-old woman and an 87-year-old woman between these times.

In each case the women were moving between several shops or restaurants and didn't discover the thefts until they went to pay for items.

Police are urging shoppers of all ages to be vigilant.

A spokeswoman said: “If you suspect purse thieves are at work please alert officers immediately using 999.”

Anyone with information about the latest thefts is asked to call Pc Scott Last at Felixstowe on 01473 613500.