Town Centre Crackdown On Purse Thieves

Friday 12 October 2012

Purse security devices and handbag alarms are being given out for free of charge in an effort to turn the pressure on thieves in Keighley.

On Tuesday 16 October, officers will be providing the crime prevention equipment to shoppers at the Sainsburys store on Cavendish Street.

The following day, they will be at ASDA on Bingley Street and on Thursday 18 October, they will move to the Morrisons store on Worth Way.

The items have been made available by money seized from criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

It comes as the Force embarks on a week of action, dedicated to targeting those who benefit from their ill gotten gains.

Inspector Tony Reed of the Keighley Neighbourhood Policing Team says the security devices will make a difference:

"The purse cables, purse bells and handbag alarms do work as a deterrent and we will be handing them to members of the community, particularly those who are most vulnerable.

"As the nights begin to draw in earlier, there is potential for such offences to increase and it is important that we take pre-emptive measures to forearm people with the right safety tools and advice.

"There are some simple preventative measures you can take to ensure that purse dipping does not happen to you. For instance, always make sure you keep your bag closed, carrying it close to your side with the clasp facing towards you.

"However, in the event someone does take your bag, let it go. It is not worth getting hurt for its contents. Your safety is always more important than your property.

"We hope this initiative will reassure people that there are ways we can tackle such problems. The Town Centre remains a safe shopping environment and this funding is just one way of helping to maintain that."