PURSE CHAIN GIVEAWAY
| Published: 5th August 2008 14:51 |
On Friday, 1 August, there were three reports of thefts from shoppers in the Hamilton Road area.
Between 2.30pm and 2.45pm a 61-year-old woman had her bag stolen from a wheel chair, a 78-year-old man had two wallets taken from his jacket pocket and an 80-year-old woman had her purse stolen from her handbag.
Since June 1 there have been more than a dozen thefts of purses in the Hamilton Road area of Felixstowe, with those targeted being mostly aged over 65, but with some younger women also having items taken.
Police are again urging shoppers to keep a close eye on their valuables - and are urging anyone out in Felixstowe, or elsewhere, to be vigilant for any suspicious behaviour.
If you suspect you have been targeted or notice anything unusual please call police immediately using 999.
In a bid to make the thieves lives harder police officers and police community support officers will be giving out a new batch of 500 purse chains to shoppers thought to be most vulnerable over the next few weeks.
The chains - which are around 18 inches long with hook clasps on both ends - are designed to be attached to your clothing or handbag and attached to your purse, making it far more difficult for ‘dipping' thefts to occur without you being alerted.
Inspector Steve Gallant said; "We need all shoppers to be alert for these thieves and to call us straight away if you become suspicious of anyone. This could be someone standing closer to you, trying to distract you or just noticing someone who is paying an older shopper particular attention. If you are suspicious please call officers using 999 - we would rather check out the person you are suspicious of than have older residents be targeted in this way."
Posters are also being distributed to shops in Hamilton Road to remind visitors to keep an eye on their valuables.
