Members ofthe public are being advised to take simple steps to reduce their chances ofhaving their purses stolen whilst out shopping in the Christchurch and Highcliffe area. 

 

Christchurch Safer Neighbourhood Team has been working tobring this crime prevention message to residents in Christchurch.

 

Last year in Christchurchtown centre there were 20 reported purse thefts and the targeted age group ofvictims was between 75 and 95 years of age.

 

The initiative is aimed at reducing the number of pursethefts in the Christchurchand Highcliffe area by making residents more aware of where their purse is, andmaking them more alert of the people around them. 

 

Chritax Taxi’s have contributed to the funding of theproject, which starts on Wednesday 1 February 2012. 

 

They will also have business cards in their taxis which theywill issue to customers. These will have the campaign slogan ‘Who’speeking at your purse’ together with contact numbers for Dorset Police. 

 

All 1a yellow buses, which go from Bournemouth Square toSomerford Road, will display posters with the slogan ‘Who’s peekingat your purse’, together with the Dorset Police logo, 101 and 999 contactnumbers to warn members of the public.

 

Calling cards will also be issued to the various home carersto hand out to people in the target groups.

 

As part of this campaign, staff in local shops willremind customers to keep an eye on their purses and belongings. 

 

Christchurch Town SaferNeighbourhood Officer, Dave Williams, said: “We aim to promote thesimple crime prevention message of protecting your valuables and not leavingyour purse or wallet on open display. 

 

 “Special thanksmust go to Mr Chris Wilcox from Chritax, a Christchurch taxi company, who have not onlyprovided financial support but also allowed four of their vehicles to be usedas a mobile advertisement, displaying our posters.

“Thanks also to the Christchurch Borough Homewatch Association who haveprovided financial support in the form of donating 500 purse chains. JuliaHowlett the Anti-Social Behaviour Reduction Officer (ASBRO) at Christchurch BoroughCouncil has also funded the purchase of a further 500 chains.

 

“Dorset Police is committed to being victimfocused and we will do everything we can to identify offenders who perpetratethis type of crime, preying on the elderly and vulnerable members of ourcommunity. 

 

“This campaign will raise awareness and makepeople aware that no matter what age you are, you can take some simple steps toprevent yourself becoming a victim of this type of crime.”