Police are urging individuals to keep their bags close as pickpocketing cases increase in Christchurch.
Two cases of pickpocketing have been reported to the police in Christchurch within the past couple of weeks.
On Monday 2 March at around 10:45, a thief stole the purse of a woman in her 70’s as she was shopping in Waitrose at Bargates.
The purse–described as small and multicoloured, mostly blue and pink– contained £45 cash, a bus pass, and the elderly woman’s bank card which was later used to carry out a bank enquiry by the criminal. The purse also included personal photos that have great sentimental value to the victim.
Another woman, also in her 70’s, was pickpocketed at Marks & Spencer in High Street at around 11:30 on Monday 17 February.
Police Community Support Investigator Kate Hann, of Dorset Police, said: “Both victims have been visited by officers and given advice and support. I would urge anyone with information about these thefts to please contact police.
“I would also urge shoppers in the area to remain vigilant to avoid becoming victims of this type of offence.
“Make sure your bag is kept close and secured at all times and there are also items such as purse bells that can make it harder for thieves to steal items from your bag.
“Finally, I would like to appeal directly to the person who stole the purse on Monday 2 March to have a heart and hand it in with the photos as they are of great sentimental value to the victim.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55200023265. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their website.