Safeguard your belongings from thieves

The City of London Police is warning people to be vigilant after a spate of thefts from customers at the City’s many cafes, pubs and bars.

While the City has enjoyed nine years of falling crime, since April there has been a rise in thefts, with 263 people having their belongings stolen. Popular targets for thieves include handbags, laptops, mobile phones and wallets.

Det Ch Insp Dave Wood is overseeing police activity targeting this type of crime in the City. He said: “It doesn’t just cost you financially when your belongings are stolen. You lose personal items, telephone numbers and identity documents that can be difficult to replace - but you can prevent yourself from becoming a victim of theft.

“If you stop for a coffee or something to eat, keep your belongings where you can feel or see them at all times. Your bag or laptop case should be kept on your lap or where available, hung from a bag clip, not slung over the back of a chair or left on the floor where it could be stolen.

“Most importantly, don’t leave your belongings unattended while you go to the bathroom or the bar.”

Over the coming weeks, as many as 50 officers will be patrolling the City’s streets at any time, with plain-clothes detectives in the cafes, pubs and bars. Officers will also continue their work supporting the premises’ staff.

Det Ch Insp Wood continued: “More officers on patrol gives those criminals targeting the City fewer opportunities and mean we’ve a better chance of apprehending them.

“A great number of police resources are being dedicated reducing thefts, including of motorbikes and bicycles. But we need you to do your bit to safeguard your belongings - don’t give thieves an easy ride.”