Woman has purse stolen at cemetery

In the first incident at 11.45am, car thieves attempted to steal a car belonging to a 65-year-old woman as she to the vehicle in a supermarket car park.

A man approached her and asked for directions. He produced a map for her to look at it. When the woman got out of the car to look at the map, another man opened the passenger side door and she screamed for help. The two men then made off on foot.

Both men are described as being in their mid to late 30s with swarthy skin, shaved heads to each side/longer hair on top and wearing dark bomber style jackets. It is believed that the man asking for directions spoke with a foreign accent.

In the next incident between 12.45pm and 1pm, the windows of a white Vauxhall car were smashed and a handbag containing personal documents and keys taken. The handbag was later found by a member of the public in Blaris Cemetery and handed it into police; nothing was reported missing from the bag.

Speaking of the incident, Chief Inspector Jones, said: “In this case, the driver had the presence of mind to take her purse and mobile phone with her when she left the vehicle; had she not done so, I am sure the thieves would have taken the opportunity to take these.

“It is especially important in the run up to the festive season, for motorists and their passengers to take valuables with them when they leave the vehicle, or to consider where they leave their valuables when the vehicle is not in use.”

“Thieves are attracted by easy pickings, and valuables left in clear view in parked vehicles are simple targets for criminals.”

Councillor Stephen Martin said “You have to question the mentality of those who would seek to prey on members of our community simply going about their daily business. There is no thought given by the perpetrators of incidents such as this as to the traumatic impact it can have. It is another reminder if one was needed to remain vigilant at all times for those who would seek to take advantage this way.”

Police are asking motorists to remove all valuables and personal possessions and put bulky items in the boot.

If you can, leave the glove box open to show it contains nothing of value and Lock all windows and doors.

Police would ask anyone who witnessed the incidents to contact them on 0800 600 8000 or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.