Shoppers warned by police after spate of purse thefts
A SPATE of purse thefts in Harborough town centre has prompted police to issue a warning to shoppers.
Five purses have been taken from the handbags of unsuspecting shoppers in the last week by thieves working in pairs.
The first incident happened between 11.30am and midday on Monday last week when a woman had her purse stolen while she was shopping in Tesco.
A second shopper was targeted in the British Heart Foundation shop, in High Street, the following day.
And on Friday between 3.10pm and 3.30pm, purses were stolen from shoppers at the Co-op store, in Coventry Road, Age Concern in High Street and the Card Factory, in St Mary’s Place.
Police community support officer (PCSO) Rob Sleath said: “Over the past week we have seen an increase in the amount of purses that have been taken from people.
“The suspects, who are very good at what they do, will use simple distraction techniques and work in pairs, to dip into your handbag in order to steal your purse.
“The suspects from the latest purse thefts have been described as eastern European females. Please remain vigilant and never let your handbag out of your sight.”
Witnesses or anyone with information should contact PC Claire Murray by dialing 101 and using a message using her ID number 4445.
4 Purse bells and chains are available from the Neighbourhood Watch Market Stall, in the Market Hall, Northampton Road, on the first Tuesday of each month.
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Weather for Harborough
Monday 21 May 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 8 C to 17 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North west
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