Don't be a victim of purse dipping
Bridgend Police have received around 45 reports of ‘purse dipping’ in the Bridgend sector since the beginning of December 2007. The victims are elderly females whose purses have been taken from unopened handbags or shopping bags.
WARNING
Thieves have been targeting shops that have elderly clientele. Bridgend Police are warning people to be on their guard and not to leave purses in easily accessible places.
SHOPPERS SHOULD ADOPT THE FOLLOWING CRIME PREVENTION ADVICE HOW TO PREVENT BECOMING A VICTIM OF PURSE DIPPING;-
- Think about putting your purse in a front pocket rather than in an open bag.v Men should also keep their wallet in a front pocket rather than in their back pocket.
- Use a handbag that can be closed properly so that it is more difficult for someone to reach in.
- Keep your handbag in front of you so you can see it at all times.v If you use a handbag with a strap, wear it across your body and not just over you.
- If you keep your purse in a shopping bag, put your purse at the bottom and not at the top and use a shopping bag that can be closed.
- Avoid carrying around large amounts of cash.
- Keep your cash card separate from your cheque book and pin number.
- Be aware of the people immediately around you.
- Report incidents straight away.
For further crime prevention advice contact Bridgend Crime Prevention Officers Lisa Mathews 01656 679558 0r Gwyn Batten 01656 679514.