Chester police urge revellers to be more security conscious during the summer

Jul 1 2010 Chester Chronicle

POLICE in Chester city centre are reminding revellers to be vigilant and keep their mobile phones and purses secure on a night out.

The warning comes as bars and clubs in the city centre get busier for the summer months. This traditionally leads to an increase in thefts.

Inspector Ian Thorp of the Chester Inner Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “On a night out, it is easy to forget about security and leave your phone or wallet out on a table. I would urge people to keep their belongings in a zipped up pocket or bag where possible.

“It only takes a thief seconds to steal a small item like that.”

Police in the city centre take thefts of this type seriously, but also warn those who make false reports of theft that they could face prosecution for fraud.

Insp Thorp said: “The vast majority of reports are genuine, however we are aware that for some, reporting a theft of a phone and receiving a crime number is a way to get a new updated phone on their insurance.

“All reports of thefts of this nature will be thoroughly investigated”

Call the Chester Inner Neighbourhood Policing team on 0845 458 6384 or email chester.inner.npt@ cheshire.pnn.police.uk.