December 17, 2010 2.14 pm This story is over 158 months old

Handbag thefts on the rise in city

Bag theives: Police warn handbag owners to be vigilant after a spate of thefts in the past few days.

Police are appealing for information on a large number of handbag-related thefts in Lincoln.

They also warn that shoppers should be more alert over the Christmas period, when thieves are more likely to be operating.

Recent incidents include a woman in Sainsbury’s on Tritton Road having her handbag stolen while shopping on December 14. It contained £600 cash and bank cards.

Another handbag was stolen on the same day from The Slug and Lettuce pub on the High Street, containing a mobile phone and bank cards.

Sergent Gary Brockie said: “We have had a number of incidents over the last couple of weeks and it’s clear that thieves are on the lookout for unattended hand bags and ones that are easy to dip into while they are over people’s shoulders.

“Please never leave your bags and have them done up all the time. Anyone interested in bag alarm can pop into Lincoln Police Station and pick one up, or approach one of our officers in the city centre.”

Anyone with any information on a handbag theft should cal the police on 0300 11 0300.

Source: Lincolnshire Police | Photo: Jenny