SHOPPERS and shopkeepers in Bridport have been warned to watch out for light-fingered pickpockets and shoplifters as thieves target the town.

Thieves have stolen purses and wallets and dipped into bags while shoppers were distracted.

Community beat officer PC Scott McGregor said police were investigating a number of linked incidents as thieves took advantage when shoppers were distracted to dip into bags and pockets to steal.

He said: "People are quite oblivious normally and that's when the thieves strike. A number of incidents of thefts and attempted thefts from the bags of victims occurred while they were in the town. Another was then subsequently reported in Lyme Regis.

"It is important that people remain alert to their surroundings and look after their valuables. Keep bags closed and close to the front across your body so that you can be alert of anyone tampering with your property."

He said there has also been a noticeable increase in the reported thefts in and around the town centre with the large majority of arrests relating to shoplifting. Thieves were targeting shops that sold small, attractive expensive items, he said.

"Thieves will attempt to steal during times when staff are often busy and are targeting certain shops in the town centre," he said.

Shops have been advised to make sure their CCTV is recording and staff use the Shopwatch radios.

A spokesman for Boots said: "We are beginning to ban people. We know the ones we need to ban - they do tend to stand out.

"There has always been a problem but we have gone through a period when we are having quite a lot taken.

"It makes life harder and always affects the people who are quite happy to pay for their goods because we are not putting things out on display."