WOMEN are urged to keep a tight hold of their handbags this Christmas.

A spate of thefts from handbags in Huddersfield town centre pubs and clubs has also provoked another piece of advice from them - it's OK to dance around your handbags.

Russ says: "Thefts from handbags while women are on nights out is becoming a bigger and bigger problem.

"Now in the run-up to Christmas we want to warn ladies that the thieves are out and about.

"Women who don't normally go to pubs and clubs perhaps will do so on Christmas parties.

"These thieves take just seconds to strike.

"We have had mobile phones taken from the top of open bags or snatched from bar tops.

"When these night spots are crowded, the noise and darkness are perfect cover for the thieves."

One of the main problem areas are the bars down King Street, but thieves also struck twice in the Camel Club last weekend.

Russ says: "Just don't relax your guard while you're out enjoying yourselves.

"If you go dancing, to the bar or the toilet make sure one of the group is guarding the handbags or else take them with you.

"Many of the crimes that have happened can so easily have been prevented.

"If you are on a night out only take what you need in a small bag - not your iPods and similar expensive gadgets or sentimental photographs.

"Small is beautiful."

* Handbag thieves have even struck at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary.

A handbag was taken from behind a reception area and rifled through before it was dumped in a toilet bin minus the money.