Purse thefts

Please be aware that in the last week there have been a small amount of purse thefts reported at a very small number of schools, medical centres and at Leighton hospital within the Crewe area. In two reports, it seems that a male has entered a staff area and removed purses from a handbag. When disturbed the male has stated that he was looking for a toilet or the staff room. The aggrieved persons have later received phone calls from a male purporting to be from a reputed bank to request their pin numbers to investigate withdrawals from the accounts. Money has subsequently been stolen from the accounts.

The small number of instances that have currently been reported appear to relate to education/medical premises and it appears to be staff areas that have been affected at this time. However, as many of us do have cause to frequent schools, doctors surgeries and the hospital please be conscious of these thefts. As always, make sure that you are mindful of the security of your personal belonging whilst out and about in public places. Equally, please remember that your bank will never contact their customers to request personal details such as your pin number, account numbers, card numbers or sort codes via the telephone. If you receive any calls of this nature please refrain from providing any personal details whatsoever and report any such calls to your bank directly.

If anyone requires any advice about purse dipping or leaflets for their members on this subject please contact the home watch desk via this email or 01244 614332.