A FREE police scheme to crackdown on pickpockets has proved so popular that a second batch of lanyards has been ordered.

A FREE police scheme to crackdown on pickpockets has proved so popular that a second batch of lanyards has been ordered.

In a bid to protect people and stop pickpockets, the town's neighbourhood beat team introduced lanyards - long loops of nylon with a clip at one end - which can be secured to wallets and purses and looped through bag handles.

Their popularity means the shops have been cleaned out and now the police hope to replenish stocks within the next couple of days.

Police community support officer Malcolm Maguire said he was 'pleased with the high uptake'.

He said: "The three charity shops stocking them have run out, but more should be available soon."

The town's police said purse theft was uncommon in Budleigh and the lanyards had been introduced as a deterrent.