1 December 2011

Police in Norwich will be stepping up patrols from today to ensure shoppers stay safe in city over the Christmas period.

Operation Festive will see officers from the City Centre Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) focus their attention on reducing incidents of crime such as purse dipping and shoplifting as the first late-night shopping event is held in the city.

Officers will carry out high visibility patrols targeting the areas of Gentleman’s Walk, Chapelfield and Castle Mall shopping centres.

Shoppers are being urged to take all necessary precautions to guard against purse thefts, a crime which traditional rises over the busy Christmas shopping period.

Purse dipping thieves often work in teams where one person will distract the victim while the other steals the purse. They also operate by bumping into or brushing up closely to the victim, giving them the opportunity to slip their hand into an open bag or handbag.

Inspector Chris Brooks, from the City Centre SNT, said: “Thousands of more people will visit the city centre over the next few weeks to do their Christmas shopping and we want to make sure the experience is a safe and enjoyable one.

Therefore, we’re asking shoppers to be vigilant and keep a close eye on their belongings and not leaving handbags or shopping bags unattended.

“Unfortunately thieves will seize any opportunity to grab personal items left unattended or while the owner is distracted.”

Additional crime prevention advice includes: 

• 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.

To contact the City Centre SNT call the non-emergency number 101 or email sntcitycentre@norfolk.pnn.police.uk