Police in Rushmoor and Hart are reminding residents to look after their belongings when they are out shopping.

Opportunistic thieves often operate in town centres during the spring and summer months and they will be on the lookout for any handbags or purses which can easily be stolen.

Graeme Barbour, Crime Prevention Officer for Rushmmor and Hart, said: "We would urge residents to avoid leaving bags unattended or in trolleys while shopping.

“Thieves will steal your purse from your bag even if you are holding on to the strap or if you have tied it to the trolley.

“They often work in teams and can steal in seconds so please keep your money and valuables secure. Don’t let yourself become a victim of crime.”

Hampshire Constabulary offers the following Safer Streets advice:

• If possible, downsize your handbag by taking only the real essentials with you. Plan where you are going and take only the appropriate cards and amount of cash with you.
• Push your purse to the bottom of your handbag to make it more difficult for pickpockets. 
• Carry your handbag with the clasp facing inwards and, if possible, with the strap horizontally across your body.
• Try to carry any keys and cards in your pockets and not handbag.
• Never carry your chequebooks and cards together.
• Do not write your PIN number on your chequebook or any other piece of paper in your bag. If you are going out then leave personal items which contain personal information (like diaries) in a safe place at home.
• On a busy street carry your handbag on the side furthest from the road.
• Keep a separate note of your bank card details and cancellation numbers in a secure place.
• Do not write address labels on your keys.
• Do not leave your bag on top of your trolley, shopping bag or pram. Try to keep it on your person where possible
• Always keep your bag firmly closed. 

For more information about policing in your area visit the local policing pages of Hampshire Constabulary at www.hampshire.police.uk.