[Margaret Pilkington]

Frank something like this happened to Ma many years ago.
I got some jngly jangly handbag ornaments and attached them to her purse.
If anyone tried to get her purse these not only jingle, but they catch on things making it much less easy to slide a purse out without your knowledge.

I have also noticed that many people of my age have litlle bells attached to their purses.
These are often given by PCSO's in town centres. This is a fine way of ensuring t hat you are alerted if someone tries to pick your bag or pocket.

I know that all this advice is too late for your neighbour(who no doubt will be feeling very upset by this incident) but these are ploys whereby we can try and deny thieves the chance of making us victims.