'Be vigilant' warning after purse thefts
Police are warning shoppers in Thetford to take extra care of their valuables following a spate of purse thefts in the town centre during the last few weeks.
Police are warning shoppers in Thetford to take extra care of their valuables following a spate of purse thefts in the town centre during the last few weeks.
PCSO Sharon Caws said: “Purse dipping is a crime which causes a great deal of stress and inconvenience to the victims.
“If you do lose your purse or wallet in Thetford please call the local police.
“We have increased our high visibility police presence in the town centre and have been offering shoppers crime prevention advice.”
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Thieves who “purse dip” often operate by bumping into, or brushing up closely to, the victim and then slipping their hand into the shopper's open bag.
To guard against purse thieves police have issued the following advice:
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Keep your bag closed and close to you at all times, if possible with the opening towards your body.
Close your purse and put it away before you leave the till.
Try not to overload yourself with bags and coats.
Avoid carrying your purse or wallet in a back trouser pocket.
Keep cash secure and out of sight.
Do not leave your handbag, push chair or shopping trolley unattended.
Purse alarms, which link your purse to your handbag and alert you if your purse is being stolen, are available to buy from Thetford Police Station.
For further information contact the Thetford Safer Neighbourhood Team on 0845 456 4567 or visit their web page at www.safernorfolk.co.uk
