Spate of purse thefts from elderly in supermarkets
12/11/2020
More reports of vulnerable people targeted by purse theives
Earlier today Banbury FM reported that the a purse had been stolen from an elderly lady shopping in Sainsbury’s yesterday lunchtime. The shopper, in her 80s, had been comforted by staff from the supermarket after the incident.
Thames Valley Police have this afternoon told us they have received more reports of purse thefts. They say it is often elderly or more vulnerable members of the community that are being targeted in the larger local supermarkets.
Officers from the Neighbourhood Team said: “Please be vigilant and inform your loved ones who may not have access to social media. Keep purses and valuable items out of view and be wary of anybody who may be looking to distract you in any way.”
“We have a number of lanyards and purse bells that can be attached to a purse and will ‘jingle’ if anybody moves the purse, hopefully alerting the owner. These are free and we have some at the front counter at Banbury Police Station.”
Officers are also hoping to deliver lanyards and purse bells to local stores over the next few days.
They ask that anyone seeing anything suspicious report it to them on 101, or if you see a crime in action please use 999.
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
