THIEVES have been targetting shoppers at a Romsey supermarket.

Four purses have been stolen from Waitrose in Alma Road since the beginning of the year.

In each of the incidences the purses has were stolen from the victims while they were shopping in the store.

The stolen bank cards were then used shortly afterwards to make purchases.

In the last incident, which took place on April 5, the victim used her card and pin number in the store and put her purse on the counter.

When she got to her car, she realised she did not have her purse.

She was then contacted by her bank after her card had been used at Ladbrokes in The Hundred, Romsey.

Now police are set to hold a surgery outside of the supermarket to advice residents on how they can keep their belongings safe.

PCSO Phoebe Settle said: “We want to speak to as many people as possible , so if you see us, come and say hello.

“It can be incredibly distressing to know that you have been targeted in this way.

“There are a few simple steps you can take to better protect your possessions when you are out and about.

“We’d urge people to share our advice with friends and family to make sure everyone knows what to do.”

Hampshire police are advising shoppers to keep their purses and bags closed and secure at all times and to carry your bags in front of you or diagonally across your chest.

Shoppers should also return cards to your purse and wallet quickly and zip it up or button it and use a purse that’s difficult to open or one that zips or snaps shut.

Police are also advising resident to use a money belt if you’re carrying a significant quantity of cash and conceal your wallet in a buttoned or zipped pocket where it doesn’t bulge.

Customers should also ensure they should not leave their purse or wallet in a bag on the back of a pushchair, or in a shopping trolley.

When you are withdrawing money from a cash machine customers should also always be vigilant, cover your PIN and keep an eye on your card at all times and put it away immediately after using it.

The surgery will take place outside of Waitrose on April 20 between 10.30am and 12noon.