Burnham-On-Sea police have this week urged shoppers in the town’s High Street to be extra vigilant following the theft of several purses.
The warning follows the theft of two purses from handbags in the High Street last Thursday (July 29th).
The incidents occurred between 10.15am and 10.45am whilst the victims were shopping. A total of £100 was stolen together with bankcards.
More than 100 posters have been put up in the windows of shops, pubs and cafes in the town, warning of pickpockets operating in the area.
PC Sean Searle told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “As the weather improves and the holiday season is in full swing, more people will be out and about. Thieves are taking the opportunity to steal from handbags and other similar items which have been left unattended or insecure by their owners.”
“Officers from Burnham are urging people to remain vigilant when shopping and to keep items close to hand and make sure handbags are securely fastened.”
“Thieves will sometimes operate in pairs, one will distract the victim whilst the other steals the purse. They will target open and insecure bags, wallets which are on display and bags which have been left unattended. They will often steal from a bag left in a shopping trolley or left lying on a counter top.”
“The following advice is offered to help prevent people becoming a victim of such a crime. Keep your bag close to your body and fastened at all times. Do not leave your handbag or purse unattended. Ensure that you put your purse away before leaving the shop. Do not carry unnecessary amounts of cash. Keep any cash out of sight. Try not to carry any wallet in your back pocket so that it is not on display. Do not let people look over your shoulder when you put your money away, particularly when you are using a cash point. Do not put your handbag in your shopping trolley as there is a tendency to leave the trolley unattended when searching for goods. Never let your handbag out of sight when packing your car with your shopping.”
Anyone with information in relation to the two incidents should call Avon and Somerset Police on 0845 4567000.
