POLICE arrested two women yesterday on suspicion of purse theft following a proactive operation in Devizes Town Centre.

Plain clothed officers were patrolling in the town yesterday morning in order to target purse thieves when a Police Community Support Officer overheard a comment by shop staff regarding two women who were thought to be acting suspiciously in local shops. The officers made enquiries and descriptions of the women were obtained.

The officers searched the area for the suspects and they were quickly found in the High Street. Further enquiries provided information that an elderly local lady had been the victim of a purse theft in one of the stores shortly before the women had been approached by officers.

Two women aged 28 and 32 years, who currently live in London were arrested on suspicion of theft and are currently in custody at Melksham Police Station.

Deputy Sector Inspector Andy Peach said: ‘This was a great example of good team work by the officers. Purse thieves generally target the elderly and vulnerable and it is often difficult to identify the offenders who quickly move on to other towns and areas. I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate the purse safety advice below and in particular, if people do see anything suspicious or have been a victim, we would urge them to contact us immediately as the quicker the information reaches us, the more chance we have of catching the offender and stopping other people from becoming a victim.’ He gave the following advice; Never carry large amounts of money.

Always secure your bag.

Make sure your purse and mobile are at the bottom of the bag or in a secure compartment.

If using a backpack, make sure your valuables are in the main part of the bag and it is zipped up.

Carry bags across your body or in front of you.

Never, ever give your pin number to anyone over the phone or in person, the only person who needs the number is you.

Anyone who was in the area of Devizes Town Centre yesterday between 8:30 am – 1:00 pm and saw suspicious activity or who has any information regarding this incident is asked to contact PC Philip Snow on 0845 408 7000 or Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 where information can be left anonymously if necessary.