Christmas is a busy time for criminals too

Officers from Leamington town centre policing team have launched a high visibility campaign warning Christmas shoppers to be alert to thieves and purse snatchers.

As momentum gathers for the festive shopping frenzy, police warned that Christmas is a busy time for criminals too.

Colour posters reminding shoppers: Don't Make a Gift of your presents! are being put up in town centre car parks and on lamp posts in streets where shoppers regularly park.

They warn people not to tempt thieves by leaving presents on display inside cars - take them with you or lock them securely and out of sight in the boot.

To reinforce the message, town centre police community support officer, Wendy Burrows and beat officer PC Rosie Vincent are distributing post cards and leaflets for people to pick up in banks, shops and libraries.

They show a colour cartoon image of a satisfied thief walking away from a car park with his swag bag. Next to him is a sign saying: Display and You'll Pay.

PCSO Wendy Burrows said police were also prominently warning shoppers to keep handbags and shopping bags secure and zipped as a precuation against purse snatchers who skilfully operate in crowded shops.

She said: "We want people to enjoy the run up to Christmas without becoming a victim of crime.

"We are working with town centre manager Paul Haynes to advise shoppers to take basic and simple precautions to keep presents and other valubles secure.

"Posters are going up in Bedford Street, Binswood Avenue, Beauchamp Avenue, Clarendon Avenue and other popular parking streets for shoppers. They will also be posted inside the Royal Priors and prominent places in the town centre."