THREE women have had purses stolen from their handbags in the town centre in recent weeks, prompting a bigger police presence.

Plain clothes officers will be working the area and the Crime Prevention Panel will be on hand today [Wed] to show would-be criminals the community is working together on the issue.

The women, aged 63, 70 and 85, reported thefts since March 31 with at least one within a charity shop in the area.

Inspector David Quinn of Clydebank Police Office told the Post: "We remind shoppers to be vigilant and do not leave bags lying around. If your purse is in your bag, make sure your bag is closed. Be vigilant of your surroundings.

"We have deployed plain clothes officers in the centre to combat this. The Crime Prevention Panel is supporting us and we are being assisted by shopping centre security."

A 85-year-old was targetted on March 31 in Sylvania Way South, as was a 70-year-old woman in Britannia Way on the same day. On April 4, a 63-year-old reported a theft in Sylvania Way South.