Police Warn On Pick-pocketing

Visitors to the town centre are being reminded to keep their purses and other belongings safe when in town.

The advice comes after an increase in pick-pocketing offences from elderly people in the area, especially around charity shops.

Officers have stepped up patrols to deter offenders and identify those responsible, but they also want shoppers to play their part in keeping criminals at bay.

PC Helen Hart of the Hertford Castle Safer Neighbourhood Team said  "With people already beginning their Christmas shopping, the town centre is busier. Therefore it's really important shoppers stay alert and look after their belongings. For example, purses should be kept in a zipped handbag or at the bottom of a shopping bag, and men should keep their wallets in their front pocket, rather than the back.

"We’re carrying out a number of operations to target these thieves, but it will make a difference if shoppers can also take action themselves – please follow our crime prevention advice and don’t make it easy for criminals."