Bag theft warning

10:14am Wednesday 12th December 2007

A series of thefts have sparked warnings for revellers and shoppers to take care this Christmas.

A woman's handbag was stolen as she came out of the post office in Islingword Road, Brighton, yesterday morning.

She had just taken money out at a cashpoint when the bag was stolen from the back of her daughter's pushchair.

A man and a woman were arrested after party-goers' bags were raided at a Christmas meal on Monday night.

Security guards at the Atlas Lounge in Western Road, Hove, stopped the pair as they tried to leave.

They had spotted a man sitting at a table next to a party reaching into a bag on the floor.

They were both arrested by police on suspicion of stealing £20.

At about 2pm on Monday a 37-year-old woman walking by Hollingbury Bowls Club in Ditchling Road, Brighton, had her handbag stolen by a white man in his 20s wearing a black padded jacket.

Anyone with information about this crime is asked to contact PC Adam Parris on 0845 6070999.

At 1pm on Monday a woman's purse was stolen in The Card Shop in London Road, Brighton.

The purse contained £100 in cash and debit cards.

The victim said the shop was very crowded at the time of the theft.

Police are advising people to be careful in crowded areas.

Women should never leave a purse in the top of an open bag, while men should not carry wallets in their back pocket.

A Sussex Police spokeswoman said: "There are a number of simple steps that people can take to reduce the opportunities for criminals to target them.

"Unfortunately, thieves will use the festive season for easy pickings. With the city's shops, bars and restaurants especially crowded, they will use any opportunity to steal."

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