Warning after Sidmouth handbag theft spate

A SPATE of handbag thefts in Sidmouth over the last month has sparked police into warning residents to be wary and to keep a close eye on their valuables.

A SPATE of handbag thefts in Sidmouth over the last month has sparked police into warning residents to be wary and to keep a close eye on their valuables.

Criminals stole items from a handbag in a shopper’s trolley in Waitrose last Thursday (October 14) between 10.15am and 10.45am.

The incident was the third of its kind in the town in the last month.

“I would urge people to be on the lookout in the town-centre and surrounding areas, to be vigilant and not to leave belongings in shopping trolleys. Keep them with you at all times,” said Sidmouth police Sergeant Andy Turner, who added enquiries are continuing into last week’s theft.

He has appeal to anybody in Waitrose at that time who saw any suspicious behaviour.

Anyone with information can contact PC Jones at Sidmouth Police Station on 08452 777444, crime reference: KS/10/581.