Thefts up in supermarkets
8:16am Thursday 1st February 2007
SUPERMARKETS in Widnes are being targeted by thieves.
Both Morrisons and Asda have suffered rises in thefts over the past month.
Insp Nick Bailey, of Widnes Neighbourhood Policing Unit, warned shoppers to remain vigilant.
He said: "There is no doubt that we have seen an increase in opportunist thefts since Christmas.
"We found four or five purses in one day."
At least three women - including an 82-year-old - had purses stolen.
One had £500 taken from her account.
Only 10 thefts were reported to police in January, but Insp Bailey believes the figure fails to give a true reflection.
Insp Bailey added: "A lot of crimes don't get reported to us because people aren't sure whether they have had their handbag stolen or just lost it."
"Statistics can be misleading, but to have 10 is a bad month for us."