Aspiring crime fighters helped bus users keep safe on their way home in the evening.

Barking and Dagenham Police cadets spent four hours handing out safety tips and purse chains at Sainsbury in the High Road, Chadwell Heath, on October 1.

The cadets urged shoppers to plan their journey in advance, have their travelcard ready, stay on the lower deck of a bus near the driver when they feel nervous, use passenger alarms if they feel threatened and beware of unlicensed minicab drivers.

Safer Neighbourhood Team Sgt Ian Lee said: “Our cadets worked hard to get shoppers and bus travellers thinking about what makes them vulnerable.

“They pointed out the simple precautions commuters can take that will significantly reduce their chances of becoming a victim of crime.”