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A GANG of purse snatchers could be responsible thefts from 19 women.

And today, a Hartlepool crimefighter warned handbag owners to be on their guard after a string of purse thefts in the town centre area, believed to have been possibly carried out by an organised gang.

Since the beginning of August there have been 19 purses stolen from handbags or shopping bags - including incidents in Middleton Grange Shopping Centre, York Road and Park Road.

Pc Colin Stainthorpe, a crime prevention officer for Cleveland Police, said that the offences are bucking the town's current low crime rate.

rolex replica He said: "We haven't had anything like this for a long time - especially considering that the crime rate in Hartlepool is extremely low.''

Victims have included people standing at bus stops, or in shop queues while they wait to pay.

Shop workers who have left their handbags on display have also been targeted, said Pc Stainthorpe.

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He added: "We do suspect that it could be a group of people."

As well as purses, other items that have gone missing from handbags include credit cards and mobile phones.

But simple steps can prevent such thefts, said Pc Stainthorpe. He said: "Keep control of your handbag and keep it closed at all times."

Pc Stainthorpe said elderly people could be particularly vulnerable, and added: "You do see elderly people putting their purses on top of their shopping rather than back in their bag or pocket. It's an open invitation to the thief.

"People should be wary of being 'crowded' as it could be a sign a thief is trying to get close.

"One woman said that somebody kept bumping into her," said Pc Stainthope.

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"If that happens people should notify shop staff, security staff, or the police."

Pc Stainthorpe added: "It's a true opportunistic crime this and the thieves are very easily foiled if you are just aware of what you are doing."

Nicola Keeling, deputy centre manager of Middleton Grange Shopping Centre, said: "We were surprised to hear about pick pocketing in Hartlepool, but we are sympathetic to the problem.''

She added that Middleton Grange has a ''fantastic security team on site and several successful initiatives in place to ensure a safe shopping experience for our customers".

Anyone with information about the thefts should contact (01642) 326326.

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