SHOPPERS in Newport are being warned to beware of purse snatchers preying on women in the city.

Police say pickpockets operating in Newport are stealing on average at least one purse every day.

Now plain clothes police and uniformed officers are working with community police support officers (CPSOs) and CCTV operators to help catch the thieves.

Police Constable Deb White, crime and disorder reduction officer for Newport central police station, said: "These thieves are opportunist who know what they are looking for and will follow people into a shop."

She said the purse snatchers will hover around a cashpoint machine and wait until a shopper withdraws money before pursuing the victim.

Police are advising women to zip up their handbags so as not to make their purses as easy pickings.

PC White said thieves wait until people are in a queue before they strike. She said police recorded six purse snatches between Saturday, July 30, and last Thursday.

The last victim had her purse stolen at 12.45pm last Thursday afternoon. She lost £80 in cash as well as credit cards.

Christmas shoppers in Newport city centre were targeted by gangs of thieves last year.

"Last Christmas we arrested six or seven people, but we've got new ones out there again now," said PC White.

She is warning shoppers to be on their guard: "We would ask people to be vigilant."

If anyone has any information on the thieves, they can contact the neighbourhood policing team at Newport central police station on 01633 838111.