Bags snatched at supermarkets (From Malvern Gazette)

Bags snatched at supermarkets

11:40am Monday 4th June 2007 in News

BAG-snatchers were in action in Malvern supermarkets on Saturday, June 2, with two thefts in just over an hour.

The first was in Morrison's in Roman Way, when a handbag containing £60 cash, keys and personal belongings was taken from a female shopper just before 11.15am.

The second theft happened in Waitrose, Edith Walk, when the stolen bag contained credit and banking cards were taken, one of which also carried the account and PIN details.

The thief then used the card to withdraw £300 from a cash machine just six minuted before the theft was discovered and reported at 12.07pm.

Shoppers are now being urged to take greater care of purses and handbags, and never keep the PIN detail with the cards, "Women should retain hands-on possession of shoulder-bags and handbags at all times and not leave them hanging off supermarket trolleys or lying on top of shopping, even if it is only for a few seconds," said a police spokesman.

"A few seconds is all that unscrupulous bag-snatchers need to cause untold misery to their unsuspecting victims.

"Shoppers - whether female or male - should also strictly heed the information given by their banks, building societies and credit companies and never keep their cards and banking information, including the vital PIN number in the same place."

Anyone who saw anything suspicious in the stores at around the given times is asked to contact police on 08457 444888, quoting 415S/020607 for the Waitrose incident or 375S/020607 for the theft in Morrisons. Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.