Mr Quedley said the initiative was about educating shoppers, not confronting them.
"The volunteers are not there to confront people but to leave an information pamphlet on the handbag which encourages shoppers to secure their valuables to better avoid the possibility of theft and its consequences.
"The information pamphlet contains details on security of handbags and credit cards, valuables in vehicles and how to respond to a theft."
Mr Quedley said the initiative was part of a wider strategy to "make Rotorua a safer, more caring place to live".
"It's not as though we have noticed an increase in handbag snatching around Rotorua, but it is an opportunistic kind of crime and typically happens when shoppers leave their bags and valuables unattended."
The Warehouse is one of the stores participating in the initiative and manager Sally Rison said it was a "huge benefit to the community".
"We were approached by Bruce and the police about taking part in the programme and jumped at the opportunity.
"Many of our workers have seen first hand when customers switch off and leave their belongings in trolleys, so we were happy to get behind this community-centric programme."
Having the volunteers walking around the store was an "addition to the already present store security".
Rotorua Police acting area prevention manager Nicky Riordan said: "Neighbourhood Support works closely with the police and offer a huge amount of support in delivering security messages to the public.
"This initiative is about reinforcing the need for vigilance when out shopping."
-For information about the project contact the Neighbourhood Support office at Rotorua police station or call (07) 349 9470.