SYP bags a response from unsuspecting shoppers

Police officers have been stealing from unsuspecting shoppers in Rotherham as part of an innovative campaign delivering advice on security of personal possessions.

The officers from South Yorkshire Police went undercover in a well-known local supermarket to target unsuspecting shoppers who were placing their handbags in shopping trolleys and leaving them unattended while they selected their shopping.

Two of the officers managed to remove handbags from shopping trolleys and took purses out of unzipped handbags hung onto them. In total, 49 bags and purses were removed in just a three-hour period.

Officers then identified themselves to shocked shoppers and handed back purses and handbags and gave advice on security of personal possessions.

Chief Inspector Gwyn Thomas, from the force’s community safety department, said: “We’re working with retailers to try and combat the recent rise in retail crime. One of our tactics is to make the public aware that they can assist by being more vigilant and be on their guard for possible pick-pockets when out and about shopping.

“We are also linking with the staff in shops to teach them how they can try to prevent falling victim to retail crime by following some simple guidance; look out for suspicious behaviour, ensure CCTV is working, avoid putting displays near open doors and try to have more staff on duty during busy periods. Retail crime impacts on businesses which in turn affects communities. This is why it is one of South Yorkshire Police’s priority crime types to combat.”

The police operation, which involved eight officers – four undercover and four in uniform – received an overwhelming response and although many shoppers admitted to knowing they should take better care of their property, they said this had made a real impact.