Warning as purse thieves target elderly
POLICE are urging Christmas shoppers to be vigilant following a spate of purse thefts around the county.
Six women have had their purses stolen over the past week, including in Macclesfield.
There were also incidents in Nantwich, Sandbach, Crewe and Northwich.
The victims were all aged over 60, with one aged 90.
Bank cards were taken from the purses and then fraudulently used by the thieves.
In Macclesfield, the incident occurred on Thursday December 10 with the victims targeted in supermarkets - when they queued up for the cash machine or when simply walking around the store.
Some were bumped into or distracted before realising they had had their purses stolen, while others had no idea how they were stolen.
Superintendent Pete Crowcroft said: “This type of crime tends to be more prevalent in the run up to Christmas, with busy shopping areas representing an ideal opportunity for thieves to strike.
“Enquiries in relation to the incidents are ongoing and I urge anyone with any information regarding purse thefts to get in touch.
“I also encourage everyone, particularly the elderly as purse thieves usually target the elderly, to be extra vigilant when you are out over the Christmas shopping period and to never carry around large quantities of cash.
“Please also keep an eye out for suspicious activity when you are in or around shops and report any concerns to us.”
David Keane, police and crime commissioner for Cheshire, said: “These cruel thieves are clearly targeting vulnerable people in our communities whilst they go about their Christmas shopping.
“This despicable crime not only has a financial impact on its victims, it can also affect their confidence when out and about in the community after many of them have been stuck at home for the majority of the year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“I urge people to follow Cheshire Constabulary’s advice on protecting themselves and their belongings.”
Cheshire Constabulary outlined a few simple precautions people can take to deter opportunistic thieves.
These included walking with a sense of purpose, carrying the purse in a zipped-up bag and keeping it close at all times, attaching an audible alarm, never leaving your bag in a trolley or basket and finally making sure you’re not followed and not engaging in conversation with someone who might be looking for an opportunity to steal.
Anyone with any information or footage regarding purse thefts is asked to call Cheshire Constabulary on 101, give the details via https://www. cheshire. police. uk/ ro/ report or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
‘Please keep an eye out for suspicious activity and report any concerns to us’