Byline: By SIMON WALTON
LIFE-LIKE figures of police officers could be placed in shops in a bid to deter purse thieves preying on elderly victims.
Hermes BagsPolice in Redcar are considering the measure following a spate of purse thefts from handbags in the town centre.
Elderly women visiting charity shops and other high street stores have been targeted by pickpockets who take purses and valuables from their handbags.
Redcar police warned shoppers to be on their guard - and sent a message to the thieves.
Neighbourhood policing sergeant Derek Knight said: "This crime affects some of the most vulnerable people in our community.
car accessories"My message to those who think there are easy pickings to be had in Redcar is this - we know who you are and we will work with our partners and do all we can to bring you to justice."
Police are already working in partnership with the Redcar Business Against Crime group, Redcar and Cleveland's Community Protection Officers and store managers.
Posters warning of so-called "purse dippers" have been put up in shops.
And today crime prevention officers were in the high street area to provide advice leaflets and hand out purse bells which alert shoppers to their purse being lifted.
Police are also considering placing life-like figures of police officers in some of the stores to deter would-be dippers and to warn people that the authorities
embroidered patches are watching.
Margaret Clark, manager of the British Heart Foundation charity shop, on Redcar High Street, supported the police initiative.
She said of the thefts: "Unfortunately it does happen a lot. I think they are easy targets. We have sheets up on the wall to say 'beware, this happens', but maybe the elderly don't see them. A big cut-out of a police officer would work. It's more visual."
Redcar and Cleveland Council's cabinet member for community protection, Councillor Dave McLuckie, said: "The effects of these despicable crimes on the elderly are long-lasting.
"We will stop at nothing to apprehend those people who perpetrate these awful crimes on some of our most vulnerable residents."
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