On look-out for purse snatchers

Police are warning women not to leave their purses on show after a series of snatches in Newark town centre.

There were five purse snatches over two days last week, most from shopping carts of the sort favoured by the elderly.

Police say that the purses were visible and are recommending that people take more care.

Newark Police are spending £300 buying 1,500 bells that can be clipped on to a purse so that it jangles if lifted and these will be given out free.

A couple, thought to be eastern European, responsible for at least some of the thefts, were seen in J111 Designs, Middlegate, Newark, late afternoon on Tuesday, October 9.

Later that day a woman, who had been in the shop at the same time as the couple, noticed her purse had been taken from inside her handbag.

Since that theft there have been at least 11 similar thefts in Newark that have resulted in a handbag or purse being stolen.

Shoppers at Marks and Spencer on Stodman Street, Morrisons on Slaughterhouse Lane, Speak Easy on Lombard Street, the British Heart Foundation on Middlegate, and Boyes on Cartergate have been targeted.

Officers would like to talk to the couple shown in this CCTV image in connection with the thefts or, alternatively, anyone who knows their whereabouts.

Inspector Martin Holford said that purse snatches were happening more frequently and often between noon and 2pm.

Anyone with information should call police on 01636 605999 and ask for Pc Simon Nelson.