SHOPPERS are being urged to keep their bags zipped up and in view after purses were stolen from handbags in the city centre.

The four thefts happened on Saturday (December 3) at The Maltings, Tiger in Butcher Row, and The British Heart Foundation, High Street.

A police spokesman said: "These offences continue to be reported on busy shopping days, please keep bags zipped up and in your view."

Officers will also be patrolling on foot to target city centre priorities such as purse thefts, street drinking and anti-social behaviour.

And officers from the community policing team will be at Salisbury Christmas/ Charter market on Saturdays and Tuesdays between now and Christmas.

They will also have "purse straps" which can be used to secure purses or wallets to a bag.