Information on Coalville

Purse theft campaign launches across North West Leicestershire

Posted on 11/11/09

police,constabulary,leicestershire policePurse theft campaign launches across North West Leicestershire Inspector Chris Brown with Jill Hall

Inspector Chris Brown with Jill Hall

A campaign warning the elderly to be on their guard against purse thieves is being launched in North West Leicestershire in the run up to Christmas.

Pensioners and other vulnerable people will be given free purse alarms to attach to their purse and handbag in an attempt to deter thieves. The alarm is activated if anyone tries to take a purse from a bag while it is still attached to the alarm. The 600 alarms have been jointly funded by the police and North West Leicestershire Partnership in Safer Communities.

The campaign is being launched in response to an anticipated increase in purse thefts as thieves take advantage of the Christmas shopping season. They are known to target the elderly and mothers who leave bags, prams or pushchairs unattended. In the last five months purse thefts in North West Leicestershire have increased from 39 offences to 84 compared to the same period last year.

Steve Hastings, the Community Initiatives Coordinator, for North West Leicestershire Local Policing Unit, said; We have already seen an increase in purse thefts this year and, as the shops get busier in the run up to Christmas, we expect to see an increase then too. We are keen to make sure that people can enjoy their shopping without the misery of having their purse stolen. The alarms are small and simple to use and will act as a warning to purse-snatchers not to come to North West Leicestershire.

Purse thieves will often target elderly people because they know they are less likely to be aware of what is happening around them so we are giving the alarms away free to anyone who is elderly or vulnerable to help them to avoid becoming a victim of crime.

The alarms will be given out at eighteen events between now and Christmas at beat surgeries, crime prevention road shows, Coalville front enquiry office and from the Neighbourhood Watch Association.

Councillor Trevor Pendleton, Chairman of the North West Leicestershire Community Safety Partnership and Community Safety Champion for North West Leicestershire District Council, said: "In the build up to Christmas and in the crowds of Christmas shoppers, its easy to become a victim of purse theft. These simple alarms can help prevent the misery of this and are free to the elderly and vulnerable.

"We are also asking everyone to be careful with their belongings when out shopping and make it impossible for purse thieves to operate in this district."

To reduce the risk of having your purse stolen the police advise people to:

  • Never leave a handbag or purse unattended and be aware of your surroundings
  • Keep your handbag firmly closed or on your person at all times
  • Wear shoulder bags with the opening against your body
  • Avoid carrying large amounts of cash
  • Only keep items in your bag that are needed
  • Keep your cash card separate from your chequebook.

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