Bag-snatchers are targeting pensioners in Sudbury town centre, say police.
The menace has caused so much concern that officers will be out in force today in a bid to save other potential victims.
A string of thefts reached a peak last Thursday when five women had their purses or handbags stolen.
Today a police team will hand out 1,000 leaflets warning of the danger and advising people how to avoid it.
"Thieves seem to be taking advantage of pension day and market day," said Sudbury's crime reduction officer Les King.
Dimmable LED Down Light K1018 2x3x1W / Balenciaga Handbag Replica 2x3x3W"We need to make people aware of what is happening without causing too much fear.
"We plan to flood the town centre with leaflets giving crime prevention advice. At least half a dozen officers will be involved."
More than [pounds sterling]400 was stolen in Thursday's thefts which all happened between 1.30 and 3pm.
One shopper had a wallet stolen from her handbag as she walked down North Street. Another had her purse taken in a fish and chip shop in Borehamgate.
A purse vanished from a bag while the owner had lunch in a restaurant at Market Hill, and a handbag was stolen from a trolley, also on Market Hill.
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Another woman had her bag taken from a trolley in Stour Street.
Les King said: "It is important that we get the message across to people as to how they can ensure they don't become a victim of crime."
Anyone with information about Thursday's thefts should call PC Kevin Bonsor on (01284) 774300, of Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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