Mansfield police to target town centre theft during Christmas period

Police in Mansfield are set to make life difficult for would-be thieves.

Research by the force has shown that theft from shops and shoppers tends to increase in the town centre during the festive period.

But teams of officers and staff are set to take part in an operation to stop as many people as possible from becoming a victim of this sort of crime.

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Last year, between 18th November 2012 and 31st January 2013, there were 70 incidents of theft from shops and 20 incidents of theft from people shopping or on a night out in the town centre.

Acting Sergeant Colin Kirkup, beat manager in Mansfield Town Centre, said: “We have done a lot of research into this rise in incidents and why they take place at this time of year.

“More people are out and about, either shopping, or enjoying the festivities, it is busier and we are more distracted.

“Sadly this is good news for an opportunistic thief. During the daytime we’ve noticed that victims are predominantly older women who are distracted while shopping and their purses or handbags are taken.

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“During the evening the focus switches to women in pubs and clubs whose bags are taken. We are targeting our operations in the town centre and surrounding retail parks to ensure that no one becomes a victim.

“Shop theft is also a concern at this time of year and thieves will be targeted and dealt with robustly.”

Operation Pegger will see Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) carry out high visibility patrols and issue purse bells – bells which are attached to purses to alert the owner to a noise should they be moved. Police officers in plain clothes will also patrol hot spot areas and shops.

Work will also take place to monitor known offenders and ensure they are adhering to any bail conditions which may be imposed on them.

To target thefts in pubs and clubs efforts will be made to educate people in relation to crime prevention and undercover operations will be taking place.

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