Police to crack down on purse thefts

Wiltshire police crack down on purse thefts

At least 47 elderly females have had purses stolen from their handbags over the last six months, in shops and supermarkets in the centre of the market towns in both North and West Wiltshire.

The thefts have occurred whilst either being carried by the owner, or placed in a trolley during a shopping trip. The offender has targeted bags that are unzipped, and because there is not a necessity to use any force, the purse is “snatched” from the handbag without the victim even noticing.

The Community Safety Partnership have purchased key chains, which attach the zip of the purse to the handbag, so that if an attempt is made by an offender to take the purse, it will come to the attention of the customer who can then quickly call for assistance.

Chippenham was worst affected by this type of crime and accounted for 36% of the offences. 22% of the offences took place in Trowbridge, 15% in Warminster and 8% in Melksham. Read more…

Source: Wiltshire Police

For further information on how to prevent handbag theft go here. Wiltshire Police Force have also produced a free guide on preventing purse theft.