A CRACKDOWN on pickpockets has been launched in Darwen town centre in a bid to combat the festive rise in crime.

The initiative comes as part of a countywide crackdown on crime in the run up to Christmas 2007, labelled Operation Shepherd' by Lancashire Constabulary.

Darwen Town Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team took will be holding Police and Community Together (PACT) meeting at Sainsbury's and Darwen Market hoping to raise awareness of crime prevention techniques.

People are being encouraged to attend for advice and a free purse alarm.

The alarms are attached to a purse on one side and a bag on the other. If the purse is pulled away from the bag, the alarm will split in two and will sound loudly.

Police Community Support Officer Danielle Derbyshire said: "At this time of year we tend to see an increase in the number of purse thefts and I hope that by issuing the alarms we can raise awareness of the importance of keeping your belongings safe and secure.

"I urge people who have not yet done so, to come along and pick up a purse alarm and some valuable crime prevention advice."

The alarms have been funded by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and the Lancashire Partnership Against Crime.

The first PACT meeting was held in the town centre on Monday. Between 100 and 150 alarms were given out and PCSO Derbyshire commented that said it went "really well".

The next PACT meeting at Sainsbury's will be held on Saturday 8 December between 1pm and 2pm.

A spokesperson from Eastern Division Police said: "There have been a few incidents of pickpocketing in Darwen, but it is not a major problem."

Police have issued the following advice to help people avoid falling victim to pickpockets this Christmas:

  • Carry your bag close to your body and zipped up, with the flap against you.
  • Try to carry your purse and keys in your coat pocket.
  • Don't leave your purse/wallet on top of your shopping bag or pram.
  • Don't carry large amounts of cash.
  • Minimise the amount of cash you carry but make sure you have enough money to get you home.
  • Don't carry your credit cards and cheque book in the same bag.
  • Don't leave your credit card behind the bar or counter. Staff could copy your details.
  • If your card or cheque book is stolen or lost, contact your bank to cancel them right away.