BE AWARE OF PICKPOCKETS - DON'T BECOME AN EASY TARGET - WATCH YOUR PROPERTY

The Royal Gibraltar Police would like to make the public aware of an increased number of thefts within shopping areas during the past week which are being investigated by our officers.

The number of thefts from shopping bags, pram bags and theft of bicycles has increased in recent days compared to normal daily occurrences. A total of nine thefts were reported this weekend, with a further 14 reports received by police during the previous week.

Shoppers are reminded to be extra vigilant during these period opportunistic and professional thieves tend to operate on our streets, in particular within the main shopping areas.

Particular attention is required in protecting your personal property. There have been a number of reports of thefts taking place from bags hanging on prams, unattended bags and several bicycle thefts.

We ask the general public to be aware of the risks, and to ensure that they keep an eye on their property at all times.

With Christmas already close by and many shoppers already looking at bargains the RGP would like to remind the public to be aware that they should protect their property at all times.

Even during low-season shoppers can become easy targets for thieves looking out for an opportunity to steal your purse, wallet or bags amongst many other items. The festive season is a prime time for thefts and burglars, particularly opportunistic professional thieves who will be looking out for vulnerable victims to target.

It is because people get too complacent with the idea that Gibraltar is a safe place and many forget to protect their own property at all times. It doesn't take too much to protect ones property. It is because of this that the RGP would like to remind all shoppers and retailers to be aware that theft and burglaries do exist in Gibraltar, especially during peak shopping periods of the year.

The RGP's advice;-

- Women with prams shopping in busy premises and shopping areas are reminded to try and prevent leaving their bags unattended in the prams. Bags left unattended dangling from prams present a very easy target for professional thieves. The RGP would like to take this opportunity to advise women to ensure that their bags containing their purses are zipped up at all times and that the bag itself is not left unattended - even if this is for a very brief period.

Always be aware of where you show your cash in public, who is around you when handling cash, wallets, or valuables. Remember to close your bags, place your wallets in concealed parts of your person, close buttons in pockets, and never to reveal how much money or credit cards you are carrying if as far as possible.

The public is also reminded to be aware that you could easily become a target by flashing your money in full view of others, or even extracting large amounts of cash from ATMs without taking adequate precautions.

Whilst going about your everyday chores we all forget how easy it is to become a target for thieves. Opportunistic thieves will look for an opportunity when you least expect it to target you. Protecting your property sends out the right signals and hardens the opportunity for the criminal.

Mobile phones also present an easy target and should always be kept in a secure place. Leaving your mobile phone on the side of a shop counter or table, or even your jacket pocket whilst it hangs on the back of a chair can lead to it being stolen.

Retailers are also reminded to be aware of the potential risk of shop lifting, burglaries and robberies. The run up to Christmas brings along more shopping more spending and is also a high profile period for potential burglaries, thefts and/or robberies as it is during this seasonal time that businesses and retailers generate more cash flow than at any other time of the year. Main Street, Irish Town and Casemates will absorb most of shoppers with large movements of people, thus representing the ideal scenario and/or atmosphere for the opportunistic thief.

The advice of the RGP Crime Prevention & Reduction Unit is for shoppers and businesses to have certain preventative measures in place. When banking, do not use banking moneybags as these draw attention to the fact. Alternate times and dates when banking and always be accompanied when doing so, preferably during the daylight hours. Change your route on a daily basis. If anyone who is tasked with banking and in doing so suspects that they are being monitored or followed, they should contact the police immediately.

Shoppers are also advised to take similar actions, and reduce the risks to themselves.

They are also reminded not to leave bank card details or receipts where others can take them, and try to prevent ATM bank receipts from being left behind. With professional thieves now also involved in identity theft, your bank statements, receipts and invoices could expose you to professional identity theft. Try and keep your bank cards separate from your ID cards in the event you lose one, you could be reducing your risks of theft.

Police officers will be distributing posters and booklets to re-enforce their advice

The RGP would also like to remind the public and retailers to inform Police Officers of any suspicious activity or persons. Any information is better than none in preventing crime from taking place.

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