Two arrested after elderly lady’s purse stolen in Market Drayton
Two males have been arrested on suspicion of robbery after an elderly lady had her purse stolen in Market Drayton this morning.
The victim, who is in her 70s, is believed to have been followed to a number of premises, including banks, shortly before the incident in High Street at about 10.10am.
The town centre is very busy today as the weekly street market takes place and she reported that she had been ‘bumped into’ by two males. Immediately afterwards, she discovered that her purse had been taken and money had been withdrawn from her bank account.
Police were called and a search carried out, with a 20-year-old man and a 17-year-old youth stopped just seven minutes after the initial call.
Both were arrested on suspicion of robbery and have been taken into custody at Shrewsbury Police Station to be interviewed.
Sergeant Dave Clemmett, from Market Drayton Police Station, appealed for any witnesses to the incident or any other suspicious activity in the town centre today to contact police on 0300 333 3000.
“The victim was not injured but was left rather shaken by the incident,” he said.
“We have already spoken to a number of witnesses in connection with this morning’s incident but with the town centre so busy, there are likely to be more who could help with our investigation.”
“I am keen to hear from anyone who might have witnessed persons, believed to be of Eastern European descent, acting suspiciously in the town centre and also around The Burgage, where a red Vauxhall Astra thought to have been used by the suspects was found parked up.”
Sergeant Clemmett also renewed warnings for people to take extra care to protect their valuables when out and about, especially in busy shops and streets.
“Keep an eye on your handbag or purse and be aware of who is around you, particularly in shops and when using a cash machine.
“People should keep purses and other valuables at the very bottom of their bags, which are securely zipped up or fastened, or in the inside pocket of a coat. This keeps them from the easy reach of thieves.
“Don’t keep a lot of money in one place but split it and keep it in various places in your bag or around your person.
“Always cover your PIN when you use cards at ATMs or in a shop and do not write it down anywhere.
“If someone appears to be standing too close to you at a cashpoint and you feel uncomfortable or suspicious, do not enter your PIN and remove your card before walking away to use another, remaining alert to who is around you.”
For more information on protecting yourself from theft while out and about, visit the Advice Centre on our website at www.westmercia.police.uk.
