Residents advised after reports of distraction thefts

We are advising people to be vigilant following several reports of distraction thefts across Derbyshire.

We were called to a report of such an incident just after 12.30pm on Thursday 29 June in King Street, Belper.

A woman, aged in her 80s, was approached by two women claiming to be working for a charity. They took her name and address before one of the women distracted the victim and stole a gold necklace from around her neck.

We have also had a report of a similar incident in the Ashbourne area within the last two weeks.

We would like to remind residents in the county to follow a few simple steps in order to keep you and your belongings safe, including:

• Be aware of people around you at all times
• Be aware of who you give personal details to, if they claim to be from a charity then check their ID and look to see if they have a charity number.
• Carry your bag close to you with the clasp facing inwards. Keep it zipped up, and make sure your wallet or purse can't be seen. 
• Never leave your bags unattended, particularly on shopping trolleys, on seats, on the floor in changing rooms or public toilets
• Avoid carrying unnecessary valuables, documents containing personal information or large amounts of cash
• Spring clean your handbag - imagine if precious personal items were lost - are they better stored at home?
• Spread your possessions about. For example, consider keeping your mobile phone separate from your keys and your store/credit cards separate from your purse  
• Consider the use of a handbag/purse alarm - these are inexpensive and could alert you to someone trying to steal your purse or personal possessions. Consider a purse bell...we can offer these free of charge at community engagement and crime prevention events.
• Never carry your PIN with your cards
• Only take out what you need
• Don’t leave handbags, wallets, or other valuables on display.

If you think you have been the victim of a distraction theft or have information which will help with our investigation into the incidents, you can contact us using any of the methods below:

• Website – We have crime reporting tools on our website: use our online contact form
• Facebook – send us a private message to the Derbyshire Constabulary Facebook page
• Twitter – direct message our contact centre via @DerPolContact
• Phone – call us on 101

You can also anonymously contact the independent charity CrimeStoppers, on 0800 555 111, or by visiting the CrimeStoppers website.