Warning To Be Alert Following Purse Thefts

Police across Shropshire today renewed warnings for people to be alert and keep a close eye on their valuables, especially purses and handbags, while shopping.

The advice comes after a number of purse thefts reported in various parts of the county in recent days, where purses were ‘dipped' from bags.

Officers urged people to keep handbags securely fastened and to be aware of persons standing around or close to them at all times while out and about.

Offenders usually target elderly or otherwise vulnerable people such as mothers with young children but everyone is urged to be alert.

In one recent incident in Market Drayton, a 94-year-old lady had her purse taken from her wicker shopping basket, which she had unfortunately left open, while shopping in Morrison's supermarket.

Between about 1.15pm and 1.20pm on Wednesday (February 24), she felt her basket move and noticed a man standing very close to her who moved away immediately when he saw she had seen him. Moments later, she noticed her purse containing cash was missing.

Incidents have also been reported in Shrewsbury town centre during the past week or so, with purses taken from the handbags of elderly women out shopping.

Constable Lyn Downes, who is investigating the Market Drayton theft, offered the following advice in reducing the risk of falling victim to purse thieves.

She said: "Keep an eye on your bag, never leaving it on a trolley or unattended even for just a few seconds and be aware of who is around you, particularly in shops and just after you have used a cash machine.

"People should keep purses and other valuables at the very bottom of their bags, which are securely zipped up or fastened, or in the inside pocket of a coat. This keeps them from the easy reach of thieves.

"Don't keep a lot of money in one place but split it and keep it in various places in your bag or around your person."

The offender in the Market Drayton incident is described as white, in his late 20s, of average build and wearing dark clothing.

"Fortunately, purse thefts remain relatively rare in Shropshire but they do happen and everybody needs to be aware," added Constable Downes.

Issued:  Monday 1 March 2010