POLICE in Maidstone, in association with Sainsbury’s and The Mall Chequers, are giving out hundreds of special security chains to people in the town centre where there has recently been a spate of thefts from handbags.

Police are investigating numerous incidents which have happened all over town, where purses have been taken out of people’s handbags, often after someone has barged into them. The victims of these thefts are often older ladies.

Now, Sainsbury’s and The Mall Chequers have each given £250, to fund the purchase of hundreds of handbag chains, which connect the purse inside the bag to the bag itself. The chains make it almost impossible for thieves to dip into a handbag and take the purse out, without the owner noticing.

Police officers and Neighbourhood Watch representatives will be in Maidstone town centre this week, fitting the free of charge chains into people’s bags.

Sgt Richard Wingett, from Maidstone and Malling Police’s Town Centre Policing Unit said: “This time of year is about the celebration of Christmas and it should be a time of happiness. Yet there are people out there who, unfortunately, cause people misery and we need to put a stop to it.

"We all need to make a determined effort to minimise the opportunities that the thieves are presented with, which is why the security chains are being handed out free of charge. I would like to thank our partners for helping to fund this initiative.”

Paul Alcock, General Manager of The Mall Chequers said: “At The Mall Chequers, the safety and security of our customers, retailers and staff is always of paramount importance.

"We are proud to support the police with this worthwhile initiative to help make Maidstone town centre a safer place to shop.”

Members of the public who would like a chain fitted to their handbag can get this done at the The Mall Chequers ‘Ask’ stand, by the top of the escalators on the second floor (directly ahead of the King Street entrance to the centre), at any time of the day.