News Release
Purse alarms to prevent thefts
Dated: 14 May 2007
Police in Wallsend are offering free purse alarms to shoppers in a bid to reduce thefts in North Tyneside.
Northumbria Police has seen an increase in purse thefts with more than 20 reported this year in Wallsend town centre.
Neighbourhood Beat Manager, PC Jo Dobison-Hall, for Wallsend Town Centre, said: " We want to remind people with purses and wallets to keep them secure.
" All too often we see open bags with purses on display, in bags left on shopping trolleys while the shoppers takes a step away to pick up groceries, some left hanging open on baby buggies and others in insecure shoulder and shopping bags.
" This makes it all too easy for an opportunist thief to just dip into a bag and take your hard earned cash and credit cards.
" Officers regularly speak to people in the street to ask them to keep these items out of view but we need to get this message across to others we don't see, who could also be vulnerable. "
Police and Community Support officers have 300 free alarms to hand out to people they feel would most benefit. They are setting up their stall in the Mall, on Sedgedunum Way, Wallsend on Thursday, May 17 from 9.30am until lunchtime. Officers will be stopping vulnerable shoppers and offering advice.
The alarms are easy to use and can also be set up as a personal attack alarm. Officers will be on hand to explain how they work and offer a demonstration. These alarms emit a high decibel noise which will send any would-be thieves running off.
PC Dobison-Hall said: " We want to reassure the public that their local Neighbourhood Police Team are available to talk to them about crime and disorder problems.
" If we can identify the problems which concern the public then we can take action to tackle these issues. "