Pickpockets on the lookout for elderly shoppers (From Daily Echo)

Pickpockets on the lookout for elderly shoppers

2:45pm Thursday 10th July 2008 in Crime Watch

PURSE thieves are targeting elderly shoppers police warn after more than 50 people have fallen prey to the crime in the past six months.

Police say nearly all of the victims were over 70 and that some were in their 90s.

The thieves operate by creeping up behind their victim and slipping their hand into an open handbag or on other occasions they have used an accomplice to distract the victim while they grab the purse.

A Hampshire police spokesman said: "This is a particularly nasty crime on vulnerable victims who are normally left feeling very shaken and upset by this. Often crimes like this can have a real effect on the health of an older victim.

"I would advise all women, but particularly pensioners, to be vigilant when out shopping in the city centre and make sure their handbag is securely fastened and in view at all times."

He went to say that on one occasion an elderly Hampshire lady was particularly upset as without her bus pass, money and phone she was left stranded in the city centre.

Two arrests have been made as part of a police crackdown.

Don Harper, of Southampton Pensioners' Forum, said: "Sadly, pensioners are often too trusting. For some over-70s it was bred into them that they could trust people.

"When they are shopping they need to keep their handbags with them at all times, not just leave it on the trolley.

"People who would do this kind of thing must have no morals or decency and just consider pensioners a soft touch. It can be upsetting to have money stolen and many pensioners are living on a tight budget.

"I would urge any young people who know others who are doing this kind of thing to turn them in as one or two bad apples give the whole group a bad name in the eyes of some."

Sandra Smith, of Age Concern Southampton, said: "It is shameful that these cowards behave in this way.

"I would advise older people to keep their bags shut at all times even if it takes them a bit longer to get to their purses and I would ask that younger people behind them at the check out be patient and look out for old people. If you see an older person with there handbag wide open and their purse on display tap them on the shoulder and tell them."

Any information, contact police on 0845 045 4545.