Information on Leicester
News Index
2012
May 2012Apr 2012
Mar 2012
Feb 2012
Jan 2012
2011
Dec 2011Nov 2011
Oct 2011
Sep 2011
Aug 2011
Jul 2011
Jun 2011
May 2011
Apr 2011
Mar 2011
Feb 2011
Jan 2011
2010
Dec 2010Nov 2010
Oct 2010
Sep 2010
Aug 2010
Jul 2010
Jun 2010
May 2010
Apr 2010
Mar 2010
Feb 2010
Jan 2010
2009
Dec 2009Nov 2009
Oct 2009
Sep 2009
Aug 2009
Jul 2009
Jun 2009
May 2009
Apr 2009
Mar 2009
Feb 2009
Jan 2009
2008
Dec 2008Nov 2008
Oct 2008
Sep 2008
Aug 2008
Jul 2008
Jun 2008
May 2008
Apr 2008
Leicester shoppers reminded to be on their guard despite fall in purse thefts
Posted on 18/12/09
Leicester shoppers reminded to be on their guard despite fall in purse thefts
Town Crier Tony Green calls out crime prevention messages to shoppers in Market Street
An 89-year-old woman is urging other elderly shoppers in Leicester city centre to keep a close eye on their belongings after her handbag was stolen.
The elderly lady, who wishes to remain anonymous, was purchasing groceries at Leicester Market on Tuesday December 15 when her handbag containing her purse, cards and 30 in cash was stolen.
She said: I was in the market buying some green groceries. I took my purse out of my handbag and paid the lady who runs the stall. I then put my purse back in my handbag and rested it on a ledge on the side of the stall, which was silly I know. The lady and I were wishing each other a Happy Christmas because I regularly shop there and a hand must have come out and taken my bag.
I keep thinking about it. They must have been so fast. I wouldnt want this to happen to anyone else.
Last month police launched a campaign to raise awareness of purse thefts in the city centre and simple crime prevention measures which shoppers can take. PCSOs, with the help of Leicesters Town Crier, handed out bells and chains to shoppers to attach to their purses to alert them to thieves.
So far the campaign has resulted in a reduction in purse thefts reported by people between the ages of 50 to 90. They are down from 19 between November 16 and December 16 2008, to nine during the same period this year.
Sergeant Nicola Woods from the City Centre neighbourhood policing team said: These are despicable crimes which target the elderly and most vulnerable. We have put a lot of resources into reducing purse thefts in the run up to Christmas with increased uniform and plain clothes patrols, as well as the awareness campaign.
We are pleased with the reduction but clearly even one purse theft is one too many. We will continue with our efforts and I urge all shoppers, but in particular the elderly, to take care of their belongings, keep their purses hidden and their bags securely fastened.
Leicestershire Constabulary has the following advice for shoppers:
- Never leave a handbag or purse unattended and be aware of your surroundings.
- Keep your handbag firmly zipped shut or closed and on your person at all times.
- Wear shoulder bags with the opening against your body.
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
- Only keep items in your bag that are needed.
- Keep your cash card separate from your cheque book.
The purse bells and chains have been funded by the Leicester Joint Action Group which is made up of representatives from the police, partner agencies, retailers and the community. They are available from the Front Enquiry Office of Mansfield House police station off Belgrave Gate in Leicester. Alternatively PCSOs and Leicesters Town Crier Tony Green will be handing them out to shoppers in Market Street on Tuesday December 22 from 11.30am.
Latest News
If you don't use it... freeuse it! | |
|---|---|
 | 11 February 2010If you don't use it. .... 11 Feb 2010 If you don't use it... freeuse it! |
Appeal following assault of two teenage boys in Groby | |
 | Appeal following assault of two teenage boys in GrobyPolice are appealing for witnesses following the assault of two teenage boys in Groby. The incident happened at around 6.... 11 Feb 2010 Appeal following assault of two teenage boys in Groby |
Two men charged in connection with drug dealing in Thurnby Lodge and Netherhall | |
| Two men charged in connection with drug dealing in Thurnby Lodge and Netherhall Two men have been charged in connection with drug dealing in the Netherhall and Thurnby Lodge areas of Leicester. A 28-year-old man has been charged with one count of supplying Class A drugs and two counts of possessing a Class A drug.... 11 Feb 2010 Two men charged in connection with drug dealing in Thurnby Lodge and Netherhall |
Free home security devices for elderly residents in Eyres Monsell | |
| Free home security devices for elderly residents in Eyres MonsellHomes of elderly residents in Eyres Monsell are being given a security boost to help prevent distraction burglaries. Officers from Leicester City Council and Leicestershire Constabulary will be visiting up to 300 properties to carry out security checks and install crime prevention devices such as door chains and bolts, window locks, kick boards to strengthen front and back doors, personal alarms and digital spy cameras, where appropriate.... 11 Feb 2010 Free home security devices for elderly residents in Eyres Monsell |
Warning after distraction burglars claim to be police officers | |
| Warning after distraction burglars claim to be police officers Elderly residents in Leicester are being warned following a series of distraction burglaries by two men claiming to be police officers. Four distraction burglaries were reported to police in the city during the evening of Wednesday February 10.... 11 Feb 2010 Warning after distraction burglars claim to be police officers |
Related News
Town Crier fights crime in the City Centre | |
|---|---|
| Town Crier fights crime in the City Centre |
Police in Leicester city centre have something to shout about | |
 | Oyez! Oyez! Oyez! Police in Leicester city centre have enlisted the services of the town crier to help get crime prevention messages across to Christmas shoppers. Officers came up with the idea after an increase in the number of purse thefts in the city centre in recent weeks. As well as reminding shoppers to secure their purses and handbags, the town crier will offer other festive crime prevention messages relating to drink driving, vehicle security and personal safety while on a night out.... 20 Dec 2008 Police in Leicester city centre have something to shout about |
Handbag theft in Wigston | |
| Handbag theft in Wigston Police are appealing for witnesses after a purse was stolen from a woman shopping in a supermarket in Wigston. The incident took place at about 11.... 05 Jun 2009 Handbag theft in Wigston |
Mobile phone crime prevention cards given to students in Leicester | |
| Mobile phone crime prevention cards given to students in LeicesterPC Ian Edwards and PCSO Sarah Eastwood hand out cards at Leicester CollegeSchool children in Leicester are being offered advice on how to keep their mobile phones and MP3 players out of the hands of thieves. To coincide with the new school term, officers are visiting four colleges across the city to raise awareness of simple crime prevention measures and hand out safety cards.... 24 Sep 2009 Mobile phone crime prevention cards given to students in Leicester |
Warning following increase in thefts from vehicles in Spinney Hill | |
| Warning following increase in thefts from vehicles in Spinney HillMotorists are being warned following a spate of thefts from vehicles in the Spinney Hill Park area of Leicester. A total of 39 thefts from vehicles have been reported to officers over the last 17 days.... 19 Aug 2009 Warning following increase in thefts from vehicles in Spinney Hill |
Relevant News
Police in Leicester city centre have something to shout about | |
|---|---|
| Oyez! Oyez! Oyez! Police in Leicester city centre have enlisted the services of the town crier to help get crime prevention messages across to Christmas shoppers. Officers came up with the idea after an increase in the number of purse thefts in the city centre in recent weeks. As well as reminding shoppers to secure their purses and handbags, the town crier will offer other festive crime prevention messages relating to drink driving, vehicle security and personal safety while on a night out.... 20 Dec 2008 Police in Leicester city centre have something to shout about |
Warning after rise in thefts from vehicles parked in Leicester city centre | |
| Warning after rise in thefts from vehicles parked in Leicester city centre Motorists parking their vehicles in Leicester city centre are being reminded not to leave any valuables, such as satellite navigation systems, on display. The warning from police follows a sharp rise in the number of thefts and attempted thefts from vehicles in the city centre, with 17 reported in the last week alone.... 27 Feb 2009 Warning after rise in thefts from vehicles parked in Leicester city centre |
Theft from vehicles in Hambleton area | |
| Theft from vehicles in Hambleton area Officers from are appealing for witnesses after two thefts from vehicles in the Hambleton area. The incidents occurred between 1.... 11 Mar 2009 Theft from vehicles in Hambleton area |
Canon Street robbery | |
| Canon Street robbery Police are appealing for witnesses following a robbery on Canon Street near Catherine Street in Leicester. The incident happened at about 4pm on Tuesday April 21, 2009 when a teenage boy, riding a push bike, cycled into a 50 year-old woman.... 07 May 2009 Canon Street robbery |
Warning following cycle thefts around University of Leicester | |
| Warning following cycle thefts around University of Leicester Police are warning university students in Leicester following a spate of bicycle thefts. Over the last 30 days, 17 thefts of bicycles have been reported to local officers.... 13 May 2009 Warning following cycle thefts around University of Leicester |
Most Read News (today)
Cannabis Farm Closed | |
|---|---|
 | A cannabis factory has been discovered by officers from Hinckley Road local policing unit. The factory was discovered at a house on Beaconsfield Road, off Narborough Road, at around 11.... 19 Apr 2008 Cannabis Farm Closed |
NEW SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCED IN MEMORY OF OUTSTANDING MATHEMATICIAN | |
 | A prestigious new scholarship has been announced by the University of Leicester?s Department of Mathematics in memory of an outstanding former member of staff.... 02 May 2008 NEW SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCED IN MEMORY OF OUTSTANDING MATHEMATICIAN |
UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER FORENSIC RESEARCH CENTRE JOINS WITH POLICE IN FIGHT AGAINST CRIME | |
 | A collaboration between the University of Leicester Forensic Research Centre and the Northamptonshire Police Scientific Support Unit, which has already produced some ground-breaking results, is to be formally launched on 14th May.... 16 Apr 2008 UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER FORENSIC RESEARCH CENTRE JOINS WITH POLICE IN FIGHT AGAINST CRIME |
Motorbikes donated to Leicester charity | |
| Motorbikes donated to Leicester charity Sgt Julie Strong, Jo Adams, PCSO Sarah Eastwood, PCSO Maggie Hill, Jonathan Rogers & Chris Barratt with some of the donated bikes Police in Leicester are helping a local charity to get back on track after it was targeted by thieves. Neighbourhood officers from Hinckley Road police station have organised the donation of 20 mini motos and motorbikes to Nacro, the crime reduction charity, to help it continue its work tackling anti-social behaviour and engaging with young people.... 12 Jun 2009 Motorbikes donated to Leicester charity |
Two men charged with murder | |
| Two men charged with murder A 36-year-old man and a 53-year-old man have been charged with murder following the death of 51-year-old Mrs Vina Patel on Thursday January 15, 2009. Both men are due to appear at Leicester Magistrates' Court on Friday July 3, 2009.... 02 Jul 2009 Two men charged with murder |
Most Read News (this month)
Cannabis Farm Closed | |
|---|---|
| A cannabis factory has been discovered by officers from Hinckley Road local policing unit. The factory was discovered at a house on Beaconsfield Road, off Narborough Road, at around 11.... 19 Apr 2008 Cannabis Farm Closed |
NEW SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCED IN MEMORY OF OUTSTANDING MATHEMATICIAN | |
| A prestigious new scholarship has been announced by the University of Leicester?s Department of Mathematics in memory of an outstanding former member of staff.... 02 May 2008 NEW SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCED IN MEMORY OF OUTSTANDING MATHEMATICIAN |
UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER FORENSIC RESEARCH CENTRE JOINS WITH POLICE IN FIGHT AGAINST CRIME | |
| A collaboration between the University of Leicester Forensic Research Centre and the Northamptonshire Police Scientific Support Unit, which has already produced some ground-breaking results, is to be formally launched on 14th May.... 16 Apr 2008 UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER FORENSIC RESEARCH CENTRE JOINS WITH POLICE IN FIGHT AGAINST CRIME |
Motorbikes donated to Leicester charity | |
| Motorbikes donated to Leicester charity Sgt Julie Strong, Jo Adams, PCSO Sarah Eastwood, PCSO Maggie Hill, Jonathan Rogers & Chris Barratt with some of the donated bikes Police in Leicester are helping a local charity to get back on track after it was targeted by thieves. Neighbourhood officers from Hinckley Road police station have organised the donation of 20 mini motos and motorbikes to Nacro, the crime reduction charity, to help it continue its work tackling anti-social behaviour and engaging with young people.... 12 Jun 2009 Motorbikes donated to Leicester charity |
Two men charged with murder | |
| Two men charged with murder A 36-year-old man and a 53-year-old man have been charged with murder following the death of 51-year-old Mrs Vina Patel on Thursday January 15, 2009. Both men are due to appear at Leicester Magistrates' Court on Friday July 3, 2009.... 02 Jul 2009 Two men charged with murder |
Most Read News (alltime)
Lengthy sentences for four accused in Kidnap trial | |
|---|---|
| Lengthy sentences for four accused in Kidnap trialClockwise from top left: Gaffar, Mirza, Desai and KhanA PCSO has been praised today after his actions helped to secure the prosecution of four men for GBH, kidnap, false imprisonment, robbery and blackmail. At around 8.... 13 Nov 2009 Lengthy sentences for four accused in Kidnap trial |
Don't be dead in the water this summer | |
 | Parents preparing for summer are being urged to think before buying blow-up arm-bands and rings County Council Trading Standards officers are encouraging people to check that buoyancy aids will really do the job before grabbing the nearest inflatable off the shelf. Not all products are meant to be used to help a child stay above water and even if they will float, if the item is a toy, such as an inflatable animal or giant ring, it will not necessarily be manufactured to the same safety standards as something specifically designed to help a child learn to swim.... 09 Apr 2008 Don't be dead in the water this summer |
Stephen Hawking Lecture at Leicester University | |
 | Professor Stephen Hawking to deliver 50th Anniversary lecture at University of Leicester The University of Leicester will be making history on Wednesday 28th May when one of the best-known and most remarkable scientists of our time will talk on the beginning of time and the cosmos. As part of the University s 50th Anniversary celebrations, Professor Stephen Hawking, CBE, Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at Cambridge, will discuss theories on the origin of the Universe in a public lecture.... 01 May 2008 Stephen Hawking Lecture at Leicester University |
DIGITAL DEMOCRACY: WASTE OF TIME OR ROARING SUCCESS? | |
 | Central and local government have both adopted the Internet to promote their activities and to get feedback from citizens. But how successful has this been?... 17 Apr 2008 DIGITAL DEMOCRACY: WASTE OF TIME OR ROARING SUCCESS? |
Two men charged in connection with drug dealing in Thurnby Lodge and Netherhall | |
| Two men charged in connection with drug dealing in Thurnby Lodge and Netherhall Two men have been charged in connection with drug dealing in the Netherhall and Thurnby Lodge areas of Leicester. A 28-year-old man has been charged with one count of supplying Class A drugs and two counts of possessing a Class A drug.... 11 Feb 2010 Two men charged in connection with drug dealing in Thurnby Lodge and Netherhall |