Hayley MacePolice in Lowestoft are preparing for a busy Christmas season by cracking down on thefts in the main shopping areas.Officers from the Central Lowestoft Safer Neighbourhood Team will be patrolling in the town centre and in Kirkley every day to reduce purse thefts and shop lifting.Hayley Mace

Police in Lowestoft are preparing for a busy Christmas season by cracking down on thefts in the main shopping areas.

Officers from the Central Lowestoft Safer Neighbourhood Team will be patrolling in the town centre and in Kirkley every day to reduce purse thefts and shop lifting.

They will also be handing out purse chains and safety information at the town's Christmas lights switch-on on Saturday.

Sgt Steve Wright said: 'This is a busy time of the year when everyone is vulnerable to minor crimes such as purse and bag thefts. As a Safer Neighbourhood Team, we've dealt with similar issues in previous years and know that taking simple precautions can drastically reduce the level of reported incidents.

'Everyone should feel safe when going about their business and we aim to ensure that that happens.'