POLICE will be handing out free security chains to members of the public in Faversham on Thursday (February 16).

The aim of the scheme, which has been sponsored by the Community Safety Partnership, is to help prevent purse and wallet thefts in the area.

Town centre constable, PC Gary Woods, and a police community support officer will on hand at the mobile police station in Market Place to give out the security devices and also fit them. They will offer security tips and advice to visitors.

Sally Smith, the police media and communications officer in the Swale area, said: The action forms part of operation Excalibur, a force-wide drive aimed at preventing nuisance crime.

"It is hoped the scheme will help to curb the number of purse thefts and also increase people’s crime prevention awareness. The mobile police station will be parked in Market Place all morning."

Sally Smith, Media & Communications Officer, Swale Area