Chesterfield police work with supermarkets in crackdown on purse thefts

Police in Chesterfield have joined forces with two local supermarkets to tackle handbag thieves.

Safer Neighbourhoods officers and PCSOs are working with the management at two Morrison's stores - Chatsworth Road and Staveley town centre - to target so called 'purse dippers'.

Members of the Walton and West and Staveley Safer Neighbourhood Teams will be working with supermarket staff to teach them how to be more vigilant and encourage them to speak to customers if they see anyone with insecure bags or purses.

Posters advising customers to beware of purse dippers and warning criminals that officers patrol the store on a regular basis will be displayed around the supermarkets.

During their regular patrols, officers will ensure they visit the stores and speak to any customers who they see leaving their bags unattended.

The teams will also have a stand at each store on a regular basis offering crime prevention information and giveaways including purse chains, as well as being on hand to offer advice on any other local issues.

PC Sarah Gerrard, of the Staveley SNT, said: "This crime affects some of the most vulnerable people in our community.

"We are working with the store's management to bring the people doing this to justice."

The Staveley SNT is also working with their local store's management to improve their CCTV cameras. The Chatsworth Road Morrison's recently upgraded their cameras.

PC Dave Randell, of the Walton and West SNT, added: "We will not tolerate this type of crime and by working in partnership with the supermarkets we will tackle it together."

There will be a crime prevention stall in the Chatsworth Road store on Friday, February 12, where local officers and PCSOs will be on hand to speak to shoppers.

For more information on your local Safer Neighbourhood team call 0345 123 3333 or visit the website www.derbyshire.police.uk.