Beware '“ pick-pocket strikes at Tesco store in Shripney

Laura Bedell was on her weekly trip to Tesco in Shripney Road with her grandmother when the money was taken from her handbag, which was resting on her shoulder.

The Pagham resident has called for more to be done about warning people of the dangers of pick-pocketing in the area.

Arun District Partner-ship and Performance Sergeant, Danny West, said women are an easy target for thieves.

"I am not aware of a problem just at this particular store but there is an ongoing serious problem with purse snatching in the town centre," he said.

"There's no doubt women are more at risk then men. But you can't live your live as if you are about to become a victim of crime. Bags present a problem as they are much more accessible than a man's wallet in his pocket."

Mrs Bedell said she was aware of a man 'hanging around' behind her but only realised that money had been taken when she looked down at her unzipped bag.

At least 80 was stolen from her.

Immediately after the incident, Mrs Bedell spoke to a Bognor police officer who was outside the Tesco store.

Mrs Bedell, who used to live in London, said the problem of pick-pocketers in the capital is rife on underground tube stations, supermarkets and on the streets but she didn't expect anything like that to happen to her in a Bognor supermarket.

"I can't get my head around it. It happened in a split second. I just think stores should have some sort of sign warning people about pick-pockets," she said. "I lived in London but nothing like this has ever happened to me before.

"The money I lost made a big enough dent in my pocket but to somebody else in a worse state than me, it could be a whole week's money or worse. Luckily, I could withdraw some more money but if I hadn't been able to do that my family would have been without food for a week."

A spokesman for Tesco said: "There is lots of security in the store, including CCTV. This kind of incident happens irrespective of whether you are in any other store or walking down the street. We do not live in an ideal world.

"It must be a horrible experience for the person who had their money taken and anybody else would be expected to feel the same."

Sergeant West said as well as keeping an eye on your money more often, there are other ways to prevent thieves stealing from you.

"You can get extendible cords which can be attached to your purse or wallet."

What do you think? Click here to send a letter or leave a comment below.

Click here to go back to Chichester news

Click here to go back to Bognor Regis news

Click here to go back to Midhurst and Petworth news

To tell us where in the world you are reading this story click on the link below to add yourself to our readers' map.

MAP