Pickpockets are at large in town centre
DIPPERS - pickpockets and those who steal from bags - appear to be doing the rounds in Bexhill at the moment.
Police are warning shoppers and visitors to be particularly vigilant when out and about in town.
In some cases, a woman has engaged a victim in conversation, creating a distraction and then stealing their purse.
And it is all too easy to leave a purse or wallet on view while busy examining merchandise, overseeing children or unloading a trolley at a check-out. That purse is then easy prey for a thief looking out for just such an opportunity.
Bexhill community police sergeant Dan Russell said: “Please have bags secured at all times and please be extra vigilant. It only takes a moment for an experienced thief to strike and you’re suddenly without cash, credit and debit cards and valuable items that tend to go in a purse.
“It is a sickening feeling to discover your purse or wallet has gone, and so please check frequently, ensure it is safely tucked away out of sight and be wary of strangers who suddenly strike up a conversation with the aim of making you drop your guard.”
Recent purse thefts have occurred in shops in St Leonard’s Road and Devonshire Road, and at Sainsbury’s supermarket in Buckhurst Place.
Anyone who witnesses a theft should dial 999 if it has happened there and then, or call Sussex Police on 101 if they have information which may help officers to catch those responsible. An alternative is to use the free, anonymous Crimestoppers linkline, 0800 555111.
Another problem currently affecting Bexhill and which police are determined to stop is a run of burglaries. Sgt Russell assured people that extra patrols and other resources are being deployed to both deter and detect break-ins and those committing them.
He again urged people to keep their eyes and ears open and to use the numbers above to report any suspicious people, vehicles or activity. He said: “Your information is vital. Arrests have been made in relation to previous burglaries and more are likely.
“But descriptions of people acting suspiciously, or the registration number, make and colour of vehicles that somehow look out of place, can be of immense help to officers, particularly if passed on without delay.”
Computer equipment was stolen from a house in Cooden Sea Road following a break-in between 8.30pm and 10.30pm on Tuesday, January 17, and a house in Dalehurst Road was burgled between 4.30pm on Wednesday, January 18 and 1.30am the next day.
Three sheds were entered in Chantry Avenue between 8am and 4pm on Wednesday, January 18 and various items stolen, and jewellery and electrical goods were snatched by burglars who targeted a house in Glenleigh Avenue between 1pm and 6.50pm the same day.
Another shed was broken into in Grangecourt Drive, last Saturday, January 21, just before midday.
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Weather for Bexhill-on-Sea
Monday 28 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 11 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: South west
