Purse theft warning

5:00pm Friday 5th September 2008

THREE women in Kidderminster have been arrested after a string of attempted purse thefts and one actual theft.

The women were arrested yesterday afternoon in New Road on suspicion of theft and attempted theft and are currently in custody at Kidderminster Police Station helping officers with their inquiries.

The arrests followed five incidents in the town centre earlier yesterday during which one purse containing cash was stolen from a woman out shopping.

Witnesses or anyone with information should call police on 08457 444 888 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Police are reminding shoppers to be on their guard and to be particularly careful if someone tries to distract them or engage them in conversation.

They should also be aware of people bumping into them, brushing against them or standing unusually close to them.

Shoppers are also advised not to carry large amounts of cash, never to keep PIN numbers with bank cards, to keep handbags zipped up and close to them and purses/wallets firmly fastened and out of sight.

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