POLICE have launched a campaign to crack down on thieves who steal purses and bags, mainly from elderly women.

Officers in Northallerton will be carrying out high visibility patrols, distributing leaflets and offering advice to shop staff on how to beat the thieves.

In the past four months, 22 purses have been stolen in the town, half of them on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Officers say that criminals are taking advantage of the extra crowds on busy market days and usually target elderly women.

Police and community support officers in Northallerton have joined forces with Hambleton CCTV, Northallerton Shopwatch, the United Reformed Church, charity shops and cafs to launch Operation Exclude.

Posters are being displayed in the town's cafs, charity shops and other retail outlets, and staff are being recruited and trained to spot potential victims and give them a specially-prepared advice leaflet.

They also aim to educate visitors on thief-beating security, especially the importance of keeping purses well out of sight and in a secure place.