Purse thieves target two pensioners in their 80s in Harborough

Police have issued the urgent warning after the two women in their 80s were ruthlessly targeted in Harborough town centre on Tuesday February 18.

PC Malc Roberts, of Harborough Police, told the Harborough Mail: “We are urging everyone, but especially the elderly, to be extra cautious.

“Our message is simple – please be very careful and have your wits about you all the time.”

He said an 85-year-old woman from Wigan, Greater Manchester, was robbed last Tuesday.

“This poor lady had her purse stolen from her handbag in our town centre while she was visiting Harborough.

“She was singled out between 2pm and 3.45pm.

“She had been to a number of shops between The Square and St Mary’s Place so it could have happened anywhere in that vicinity,” said PC Roberts.

“She has cancelled all her credit cards and was left very upset.”

He said another shopper, aged 89, was also callously preyed upon in the town centre on Tuesday afternoon.

“She’s a local woman and she had her purse stolen in the same sort of area.

“The two thefts are very similar and could easily have been carried out by the same pickpockets,” said PC Roberts.

“We have had teams of thieves travelling to Market Harborough to operate from down south and the West Midlands as well as elsewhere.

“They are slick and very professional.

“They know there are a lot of older people in Harborough who are seen as easy targets and are more trusting than people in cities.”

Appealing directly to local people, PC Roberts stressed: “Please be very aware of strangers who come along and try to distract you – often by showing you a map.

“They will try to steal your purse or handbag as they distract you.

“I’ve also seen shoppers leaving their bags unguarded in their supermarket trolley as they go off and shop for items.

“Never do that because opportunist crooks can strike at any time.

“Thefts and robberies are horrible crimes.

“They leave their victims very upset and anxious and feeling much more insecure and vulnerable.

“Older people often have sentimental pictures of their loved ones in their purses and wallets as well as cash and credit cards.

“It’s devastating to lose their treasured keepsakes and photos and makes the crime even more personal and more cruel.”

He urged local people to pick up a special purse bell at Market Harborough police station on Fairfield Road.

“The bells are free and you can collect them here at the station from 10am-4pm Monday to Friday.

“My missus has got one and they are a big help,” said PC Roberts.

“The bell will ring if anyone tries to steal your purse so you’ve clearly got more chance of preventing the crime.

“Police officers will be out and about patrolling the town centre.

“We will be doing our best to make people feel more secure and deter criminals.

“But please do all you can to be more vigilant and more careful when you are out and about in the town centre.”

Anyone who has any information about the Harborough town centre purse thefts or who saw anything suspicious should call police on 101.