Shoppers warned after series of handbag thefts

Two reports of handbag theft were on Wednesday, December 10 and 11.

The offences took place between 5pm and 10pm.

Inspector Martyn Sheldon, who leads Rotherham’s town centre Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “We have issued some advice already this month to the public following reports of purse thefts.

“These offences are happening later in the day, when the light fades and there are fewer people around.

“Whereas purse thefts are often carried out while the victim is unaware, handbag thefts can be a lot more noticeable and on occasion, can be quite forceful.

“I’d urge people shopping in town in the evenings to take care with their belongings. “Please try, wherever possible, to avoid carrying large sums of money and only carry the valuables you need.”

Additional police officers have been deployed in the town centre to reassure the public.

Insp Sheldon continued: “We have extra resources in the town centre to assist with identifying and apprehending suspects, as well as providing some visible reassurance to the public that we will not tolerate this criminality.”

If anyone has any information about the incidents above, or would like to report suspicious behaviour, please call 101.

If a crime is in progress or a life is in danger, call 999.