Thefts spark advice for shoppers
4/21/2010Shoppers are being urged to protect themselves against pickpockets after a series of purse thefts.
Sunderland police are advising people to attach cat bells, the same as those used on cat collars, to a purse or wallet in a bid to stop thieves in their tracks.
If the purse or wallet is moved it will ring, alerting the owner.
Another safeguard is to attach a lanyard to your purse and secure it firmly to your handbag.
Neighbourhood Inspector Paul Barrett, of Washington Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "Our advice is always make sure your bag is zipped and fastened shut, don't carry too much cash and when you do take purses or wallets out of bags, make sure you put them back in securely.
"Using cat bells or a lanyard acts as an extra deterrent to thieves and acts as a reminder to make sure you keep your purse safe.
"Most of these pickpockets are opportunist, but by making purse-dipping even harder for them members of the public can help stop themselves from being a victim of crime."
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