Women warned of weekend bag thefts

Police are investigating a “high number” of handbag thefts in the town, which officers now suspect may be linked.

A cluster of incidents dating back to August are being looked at and a pattern has been established, with most of the thefts taking place at weekends.

In the first, on Friday, August 5, a man on a bicycle snatched a bag from a woman in Cole Street, and last week a 45-year-old woman was pushed to the floor when she was robbed by two men at the junction of Long Road and Henderson Avenue.

After stealing her black leather handbag they fled towards Spencer Avenue. The suspects in this incident are both aged between 17 and 23, of slim build, and have short hair.

Police said they were working hard to catch the robbers but urged women to be wary if out walking alone.

Det Sgt Dean Minter, of Humberside Police, said: “I would just like to reassure the local community that officers are working hard to bring these offenders to justice, but I would like to ask people, especially women who are walking alone, to remain vigilant.

“We are currently investigating a number of similar incidents where women have had their handbags stolen and the offenders have made off either on a bicycle or on foot. These incidents are taking place mainly between 9pm and 2am Friday to Monday and police are currently working to establish if there is a connection between the incidents reported.

“I would like to ask anyone who may have information which can help police with their enquiries to contact police or call Crimestoppers. No matter how large or small the information may seem, it is important that we locate the people responsible as quickly as possible.”

Anyone with information can call 0845 6060 222.