Harrogate police have issued a warning to shoppers following three incidents of handbag and purse thefts.
The incidents have occurred between 12 and 21 June 2014, at Waitrose on Station Parade. However, officers are warning shoppers that the suspects could target any stores.
In one incident, a woman suspect has struck up a conversation with the victim, distracting her while a male accomplice stole the woman’s purse from her handbag, which was inside her car.
In another incident, a victim’s handbag was stolen from her shopping trolley as she unloaded shopping into her car.
In the third theft, the victim’s purse was taken from her handbag which was placed in her trolley as she shopped inside the store.
The woman suspect in the first theft is described as white, aged 50 to 60 with blonde hair in a ponytail, she spoke with a foreign accent. There is no description for the male suspect.
Sergeant Kirk Fletcher of Harrogate Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: I’m urging shoppers to be vigilant and keep their belongings secure and in their possession at all times.
Please don’t put valuables in your shopping trolley, just a split second as you reach for something on the shelf, will give a thief the opportunity they need to steal your belongings.
Please also be on your guard if any strangers try to strike up a conversation with you.
Anyone who has any information about any of the thefts or can assist with the identification of the suspects is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2 and ask for Sergeant Kirk Fletcher.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Please quote reference 12140101375 when passing on information.
