Police in Norwich are urging people shopping to keep their handbags secure.

The warning comes after several thefts of purses from handbags in recent months in the City Centre.

Officers from City Centre Safer Neighbourhood Team are encouraging people, especially older people to follow simple security measures to avoid being targeted by “purse dippers”.

Thieves operate by stealing purses, bags or wallets that are on display or have been left unattended or within easy reach in open and insecure handbags.  They will usually steal a purse or bag left on a counter or table, or slip their hand into an open handbag or shopping trolley.

PC Dave Block from City Centre Safer Neighbourhood Team said “The warmer weather means more people are out in the city centre shopping.  This can provide thieves with more of an opportunity to take items from handbags which have been left unattended or insecure.

“We are urging all shoppers, particularly the elderly, to keep their handbags and other bags secure and not to become a victim.  We are also reassuring local people and visitors to Norwich that we are stepping up patrols at key times to catch those responsible and that we will deal with them robustly.”

Norfolk Constabulary offer the following crime prevention advice:

• Keep your bag closed and close to you at all times, if possible with the opening towards your body
• Close your purse and put it away before you leave the till
• Try not to overload yourself with bags and coats
• Avoid carrying your wallet or purse in a back trouser pocket
• Keep cash secure and out of sight
• When you put money in your handbag, don’t let people see where you put it – especially when you are using an ATM
• Do not leave your handbag, pushchair or shopping trolley unattended
• When packing groceries in your car, never leave your handbag on the boot or roof of your car
• Purse alarms, which will alert you to your purse being stolen, are available to buy from your local police station

Your dedicated team is working hard to make your neighbourhood a safer place to live. If you have any information regarding any suspicious behavior in your area you can contact your SNT on 0845 456 4567 or alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.