Officers from the Ripley Town Centre Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team are carrying out extra patrols to help target shoplifting and prevent purse dipping on the run up to Christmas.

They are also working with local businesses to target retail related crime through the town’s Shop Watch initiative. Stores which are signed up to Shop Watch receive a radio link up to help them and the police keep up-to-date on any suspicious activity in the town. It also allows police to respond more quickly to any incidents which are reported through the radios.

PC Mark Reddish of the Ripley Town Centre Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “At this time of year we tend to see an increase in shoplifting and purse dipping incidents, at a time when people are carrying more cash than usual and are busy completing their Christmas shopping before the big day.

“The Shop Watch radio system is proving to be a success once again this year, and we have already used it to identify suspicious activity, with the aim of preventing crime before it happens.”

As well as carrying out patrols, officers are on hand to speak to shoppers and offer crime prevention tips which include:

· Keep your bag closed and with the opening towards your body.

· Do not leave bags, purses and wallets unattended and on show.

· Close your purse and put it away before you leave the till.

· Avoid carrying wallets and purses in back pockets.

· Do not leave your handbag unattended in a pushchair or shopping trolley.

· Use a purse chain and bell to help alert you should someone try to steal your purse.

PC Reddish added: “Our aim is to reduce any opportunities for retail related crime and to ensure that shoppers stay safe. “We will continue to work with stores and businesses to target retail crime throughout the festive period and beyond, and to provide reassurance to our local community.”

Purse cables and bells are also on offer for people to collect from the police office at Ripley Town Hall. The office is open between 9am and 11am on Mondays and Wednesdays, and between 9am and 1pm on Fridays.

You can also contact the Ripley Town Centre Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team by calling 101, the non emergency number for Derbyshire police, or email ripley.neighbourhoods@derbyshire.pnn.police.uk.