CUMBRIA Police are giving helpful tips to vulnerable shoppers to avoid cases of theft and fraud in stores.

According to police, all wallets and valuables should be carried in an inside pocket and never in the rear pocket as it is easier for criminals to pinch.

Handbags should be closed at all times to prevent a thief from clasping onto valuables and bags should never be left on the floor in case a passing criminal sinks so low that they callously steal it.

Put any change back into a purse or wallet immediately after a transaction, minimizing the opportunity for thieves to quickly copper feel of any loose money.

Other advise from police states that shoppers should never leave their baggage unattended and should not carry large amounts of cash around on their person.

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