Warning over surge in phone and bag thefts in city centre

Those out late at night and visiting the shops during the day are being warned to take simple security steps.

West Yorkshire Police has launched Operation Dancefloor, which will see officers in plain clothes patrol throughout the day and night to catch thieves and door staff at licensed premises will be looking for people who leave valuables or bags unattended.

People will be given flyers offering handy crime prevention advice and officers will be speaking to shoppers and clubbers to ensure they keep their valuables secure.

Det Chief Insp Mick Oddy, of West Yorkshire Police’s city and holbeck division, said: “Thefts of this nature make up a large proportion of crime in Leeds city centre, and for anyone who is a victim of this kind of offence there is the expense and inconvenience of having to replace the items stolen.

“In many occasions where mobile phones are stolen, along with losing your contacts there is often the added heartache at losing treasured photos, videos and other items that will never be replaced.”

People can use a variety of crime prevention measures including: always securing zips and fastenings on bags and pockets; never leaving bags, mobile phones, coats and other valuables unattended and avoiding advertising valuables to would-be thieves.

Police say they have seen a 22 per cent rise in the theft of mobile phone, bags and other valuables in the last year.

Coun Peter Gruen, Leeds City Council’s executive board member with responsibility for community safety, said last night: “It is important that people using the city centre are aware of the threat of theft. When shopping or out at night it is important that people are aware of their personal belongings and take extra care to protect them.”

In the coming months officers will be attending major events in the city centre to hand out crime prevention advice to shoppers and clubbers.

For more information on Operation Dancefloor visit www.westyorkshire.police.uk/dancefloor