Shoppers Warned Of Pick Pockets After Wheelchair-bound Man Robbed In Godalming

Shoppers in Godalming are being urged to keep a close eye on wallets and purses following an incident of purse dipping in the High Street last week.

Thieves helped themselves to a wallet, containing cash and cards, from a man in a wheelchair as he was shopping between 3-30 and 4pm last Friday (Oct 22). The wallet was in a bag clipped to the man’s belt and he discovered it was missing after going into the Age Concern charity shop.

The victim has provided police with a description of a woman who was in the charity shop at the same time as him. She is described as around 45 years old, 1.65 m tall, olive-skinned with dark brown and grey hair in a ponytail, brown eyes and stained teeth. She was wearing a cream jacket, a large pearl necklace, a headband and sunglasses on top of her head. She spoke with a foreign accent, which was possibly French.

Waverley’s Crime Reduction Advisor John Robini said:"Surrey Police is determined to crack down on this type of offence which historically involves professional thieves who travel into the area to target the local community. The groups are often made up of men and women who may use distraction techniques to carry out offences. I would advise residents to carry purses in such a manner that they are kept safe and to help police by alerting officers to any suspicious activity as soon as possible and to report thefts immediately in order that police can track offenders. By working together Waverley can remain a safe and pleasant place to work and live."

Surrey Police recommends residents, shoppers and visitors follow a few simple security measures to prevent becoming a victim of such a crime themselves:

• Always keep your bag close to your body and don’t have the bag open with the contents on show

• Keep your cards separate from your cheque book.

• If your cards are stolen, call your bank or credit card company as soon as possible. Most banks put the number to call if your cards are stolen on your statement and they are also often shown on cash machines.

• Try not to be conspicuous about the valuables you are carrying. Talking on your mobile phone, carrying a laptop or showing friend expensive jewellery you have bought will be a magnet to thieves.

• Above all stay alert to your surroundings.

Anyone with information about this crime should call Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222 quoting reference WV/10/5968 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.