Shopwatch helps catch purse th

发表于: 2010-2-1 9:17:58

A SHOPWATCH scheme has been praised after it helped to snare an alleged pickpocket.

Two elderly women had items snatched from their handbags as they shopped in King Street, South Shields, on Monday.

One woman had her glasses stolen, while the other was completely unaware that her purse had been taken in a shop.

However, an employee noticed two men acting suspiciously and alerted other shops in the Shopwatch scheme using the linked radio system.

The message was also picked up by police officers on patrol in the area, who spotted the men and gave chase.

The woman was later reunited with her purse.

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Detective Inspector Steve Appleton, from South Tyneside CID, said the incident demonstrated "good use" of the Shopwatch radio system.

He added: "We ask people to be vigilant, make sure their bag is on their shoulder and zipped up, and move away from anyone acting suspiciously."

A 37-year-old man from Newcastle is due to appear at South Tyneside Magistrates' Court next Thursday, charged with two counts of theft.

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