Purse snatch warning

10:59am Wednesday 27th August 2008

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TEAMS of purse-snatchers are once again targeting unwary shoppers on market days in South Lakeland.

According to police figures, out of the 32 incidents which have occurred in the district so far this year, 13 took place on Wednesdays and nine on Saturdays –which are traditional market days in towns such as Kendal and Ulverston.

Police are exploring the possibility that the thefts are being carried out by organised teams of professional criminals who could be travelling into the area from big cities such as Liverpool and Manchester.

Crime prevention manager for Cumbria Police Terry Belshaw said criminals could be targeting South Lakeland as residents were perhaps less aware of the dangers of falling victim to this type of crime.

“There is no doubt that there is at least one team at work and it is possible that they do not reside here, but travel to us to commit these types of crimes,” said Mr Belshaw. “Obviously, crowded places, markets, charity shops, are ideal places to commit this type of crime, so handbag/shopping bag security, awareness of people around you, not keeping the PIN numbers with credit cards, and perhaps dividing cash is a priority.”

Assistant manager of the Westmorland Shopping Centre Alan Green said the problem was a “high priority” for security officers.

“Our security officers are on a high alert for this type of thing. We are aware that these offences are occurring, particularly on market days, and if our officers spot an elderly lady with her bag open or with her purse in a vulnerable position they will take her to one side and explain the dangers to her,” said Mr Green.

“Also, in the CCTV control room, officers are very vigilant to anything suspicious.”

The police statistics also revealed the average age of victims was 62, with women being the predominant victims – there were 31 female victims, and one man.