Police in Long Eaton are warning local residents to be aware of bag dipping within the town centre.

"Bag dipping" is a term applied to thefts from bags or purses and is most often used by criminals in busy areas; such as shops, supermarkets and cafes.
 
Officers from the Long Eaton Town Safer Neighbourhood Team will be in various charity shops over the next few weeks to fit purse alarms to people's bags and offer crime prevention advice to shoppers.
 
The alarms will be handed out for free as a preventative measure against this type of theft. They work by attaching to a purse and then to the inside of a bag. If a thief tries to remove the purse, the alarm is activated and attention is drawn to the criminal.
 
PCSO Dan Mitchell of the Long Eaton Town Safer Neighbourhood Team said: "We want to make sure that people are aware of this type crime so they can protect their property and avoid becoming a victim of bag dipping.
 
"Remember to keep your handbag or purse with you at all times; don't let it out of your sight, especially in public places.
 
"Also try to keep your bag closed and fastened, and make sure your purse is out of sight and not left near the top of your bag.
 
"Try to avoid carrying large amounts of money with you and don't overload yourself with too many bags or coats; it can be easy to lose track of your purse if you have too much to carry."
 
If you have any information about these crimes, please contact your Safer Neighbourhood team by calling 0845 123 33 33, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.