Pickpockets beware!

Wigan Council and Greater Manchester Police have joined forces to tackle the borough's pickpockets.

Police Community Support Officers will be in the seating area in Wigan Market Hall on Saturday May 9 between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. to distribute FREE purse bells and other crime prevention advice to shoppers.

The FREE bells attach to a purse or wallet to give the owner a warning if their purse or bag is tampered with.

The purse bells have been sponsored by Wigan Market. Tony Fletcher, Deputy Markets Manager said: "Wigan town centre is already one of the safest town centres in the country and we are determined to keep it that way. We have sponsored the purse bells to ensure that no matter where a shopper goes within the town centre, they and their valuables are safe."

In addition to the purse bells, there are a few simple but effective measures everyone can employ to stop themselves becoming a victim of pick-pocketing:

1. Never leave your bag open or unattended, such as on the back of a shopping trolley or pushchair
2. Always make sure your bag is securely shut by using the fasteners provided
3. If your bag has a strap, wear it across the body with any flaps facing inwards and hold it close to your body
4. Never put your bag on the floor to look at something on shop shelves or when trying on clothes in changing rooms
5. If you do not have a bag, hold your purse or wallet close to your body or carry it in an inside pocket if you have one
6. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash
7. Only keep items in your bag that are needed
8. Keep your cash card separate from your chequebook

Martin Ryan, Police Community Support Officer said: "We do not want to unnecessarily worry or alarm visitors to the town. By applying simple but effective measures that help prevent loss or theft of property, we are reassuring shoppers that Wigan area policing team and our partner agencies are continuing to make Wigan a safe town to visit."

Similar schemes have been introduced across the country and have proved to be very successful by significantly reduced the number of incidents of pick-pocketing.

For more information please contact Martin Ryan, PCSO on Martin.Ryan@gmp.police.uk or Phil Edge, Markets Manager on 01942 708291 or P.Edge@wlct.org