Police issue alert as thefts rise in town

POLICE have urged residents to be on their guard after an increase in purse-dipping thefts in Runcorn.

Offences involve reaching into handbags and other bags and grabbing valuable contents such as purses and wallets.

Runcorn police said the increase has taken place over the last four months.

Free purse bells are being offered to residents at Runcorn Police Station.

Cheshire police said there had been a rise across the county, with women over the age of 60 in cafes and supermarkets on their own picked out as the main targets for thieves, who often work in pairs or groups.

One offender will distract the victim while another steals from them.

A Cheshire Constabulary spokeswoman said Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) will be increasing patrols and providing advice to charity.

Members of the public can protect themselves by following these steps:

Do not leave a handbag hung over a shopping trolley or unattended at any time.

Make sure the bag has a secure zip fastening and for added security, secure any purse inside a zipped pocket inside the bag.

If approached by a stranger in unusual circumstances in or around a supermarket, do not engage with them, particularly if they ask for directions or change.

Be firm with them, walk away, and report any suspicious activity to the police.

When using a chip and pin device or ATM, always shield the number with a hand.

Avoid using cash machines that appear to have been tampered with, or where groups of people are hanging around.

Superintendent Peter Crowcroft: “These thieves are driven by opportunity and target women who are on their own in a café or shopping in the supermarket. We have also noticed how they tend to steal from those who are aged 60 or over.

“To help deter thieves and provide reassurance to the local community local officers will be carrying out regular patrols and giving advice to local shops.

“I would also encourage the public to make elderly friends and neighbours aware of these thieves and if possible to purchase purse bells, which can be a great deterrent.”

Anyone who sees anyone acting suspiciously or has any information should contact Cheshire police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.