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Pickpockets and bag thieves will use this busy shopping period to their advantage. If you’re heading out to do your Christamas shopping or hitting the sales after Christmas the please take into account the following advice.
Purse thefts
The most frequent kind of purse theft is 'handbag dipping', where offenders remove purses from handbags left unzipped or unattended.
Bank cards are often used by offenders very quickly, often even before the victim realises the purse has been taken.
Christmas markets and the Sales period can be a peak time for this offence.
- Keep your handbag on you, zipped with no valuable items on display (this includes your mobile phone). Do not leave it unattended.
- Keep your handbag close to your body.
- In restaurants and cafes put your bag on your lap or on the floor between your feet with your foot on the strap. Alternatively place the strap through one leg of the chair.
- Never leave your bag in adjacent seats in theatres, pubs or on public transport.
- If using public conveniences, do not place your handbag close to the door or side walls, particularly if there is a gap between the walls and the ground. It could be snatched from the outside.
- Keep to major, well-lit streets and avoid isolated areas. Be aware of your surroundings.
- Do not carry large amounts of cash with you. Withdraw only money needed at the time.
- Look for ATMs located inside buildings, supermarkets or other busy locations.
- Be mindful of distractions, thieves working in pairs may attempt to divert your attention in order to steal your handbag or its contents.
- Attach your purse to your handbag with a secure cord and keep your mobile in a zipped internal pocket or on your person.
If you have any information on stolen goods, report it to the police by calling 101. If it is an emergency dial 999.
If you would prefer not to speak to police you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or visit: www.crimestoppers-uk.org. Crimestoppers is an independent charity.
Your Safer Neighbourhood Team:
PS Lee ROGERSON
PC Elaine BROWN PC Louise VICKERS
PCSO Dan BEALL PCSO Will HUGHES
PCSO Gary McKEOWN PCSO Maria COZMA
You can contact the team on 020 8721 2724 or mertongraveney.SNT@met.police.uk
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