SHOPPERS have been warned not allow themselves to fall victim to pickpockets who are targeting older people buying Christmas gifts.

Purse-dippers are on the prowl in Rayleigh High Street, with four victims so far reporting incidents to police, the most recent onMonday.

Crooks are believed to be watching shoppers withdrawing money fromcash machines, then noting down their PIN numbers sowhen theysteal their purses and wallets, theycan use cards to withdraw cash.

Police set upastall in Rayleigh High Street to offer safety advice and give out purse chains, which secure them to shoppers’ bags.

Shopkeepers were also asked to be vigilant and remind customers to keep their bags zipped up.

Chief Insp Lesley Ford, the area’s most senior police officer, said: “The worst thing forpeople is to lose their property just before Christmas and also to lose personal mementoes and photographs.

“It is especially tough for the vulnerable members of our community. This is about recognising an increase of offending early to enable us to put in an appropriate response, advise and reassure the public.”