LOCAL police have issued a warning to Newbury shoppers after a spate of purse thefts in the town centre.
The Thames Valley Police said that purse snatching had been on the increase in Newbury since September – with four such incidents reported in the last fortnight.
Newbury police Sgt, Sue Aufero, said that it was normally elderly women who are targeted.
She said: “They report that they feel like they’ve been bumped into and then later on find that their purses had been stolen from their bags.”
“The offences are happening during the day between 10am and 3 pm. The main areas are the Kennet Centre and Northbrook Street.”
PCSO’s and Police officers handed out over 250 key coils in the town centre on January 24 which fastens the user’s purse to the inside of a handbag.
Sgt Aufero added: “We have been very concerned with the number of people who walk along with their bags undone making them a vulnerable target. There have also been a number of handbags removed from buggies and unattended supermarket trolleys and I would like to remind the public to keep their belongings in sight and safe when they are out shopping.”
Police said that the best ways to avoid becoming a victim of theft are to:

• Think about what’s in your handbag before you leave home and take only what you really need – try not to carry items such as driving licences and passports, valuables, or large amounts of cash.

• Be aware of who is around you at all times. Be extra-vigilant when using mobile phones in public – it’s easy to be distracted while making a call.

• Keep your purses, wallets and cash at the bottom of your bag or fastened in a pocket, and don’t let belongings out of your sight in shops, cafes or bars. Do not leave handbags on the backs of chairs or on the floor.

• Do not carry your bag over one shoulder where someone could easily grab it – wear it so the strap crosses from shoulder to hip.

• Keep a note of the phone numbers you’d need to ring if your purse or wallet is stolen. Make sure you report it immediately to prevent thieves using your cards to buy items over the phone or Internet.

• Report anyone you see acting suspiciously to police officers, PCSOs, or in-store security staff. You can report incidents to police via the 24-hour non-emergency number on 0845 8 505 505 or in the event of an emergency, dial 999.