Purse snatchers in for a shock in Chester city centre

Dec 4 2008 by Allison Dickinson, Chester Chronicle

PURSE snatchers in Chester city centre are in for a shock this week.

Officers from the Chester Inner Neighbourhood Policing Unit will be taking to the streets on December 9 to raise awareness of the issue.

Traditionally, during the Christmas period, there is a rise in the number of purse and bag thefts in the city.

In the past there have been a number of initiatives to tackle the issue and in recent years this approach has borne fruit with shoppers claiming they feel safer and year-on-year reductions.

Sergeant Mandy Shaw, of Chester Inner NPU said: “Purse and bag thefts are a genuine problem for shoppers in Chester.

“In the run up to Christmas the shopping areas in and around the city get busier and busier – creating a haven for light fingered thieves who thrive on crowds.

“We are aware of the issue and in the past few years have shown how committed we are to tackling this by running initiatives, raising awareness and taking action against those responsible.

“This year will be no different and on Tuesday we will be hosting an event to try to educate shoppers about purse thefts and steps they can take to protect themselves against thieves.”

She added: “Pickpockets use busy shopping areas to target people who are often too distracted by the hunt for presents to keep their eye on their purses, bags and wallets.

“The criminals sometimes work in teams and will even use methods to further distract victims before stealing their property.

“We want everyone to be aware of the problem and the event on Thursday should show residents and visitors to the city how to take steps to beat the thieves.

“Christmas should be a time for celebration and enjoyment and this shouldn’t be spoiled by criminals.

“By working together police and local people can ensure that the only things thieves get for Christmas this year are empty hands.”