Great Yarmouth police are asking the public to be vigilant having seen a significant increase in attempted handbag and phone snatches from people walking in public areas at all times of the day and night.

The warning comes after ten robberies and attempted robberies in the area in the last four weeks.

Incidents have been recorded in both Yarmouth and Gorleston and are not attributable to any one group or individual.

Police are asking the public to reduce the risk of becoming a victim by taking some simple steps, such as placing shoulder straps of handbags over the head so the bag can't be pulled off the shoulder, keep wallets and purses out of sight and preferably in zip up pockets, don't walk along having your expensive smartphone out on display and above all be aware of who is around you at all times.

Chief Inspector Russ Wilkinson said: 'Whilst these thefts are of relative low value, being a victim of this sort of offence is always very upsetting and we urge people to safeguard themselves and their property by taking some very simple steps.'

More personal safety advice can be found on the police website www.norfolk.police.uk