POLICE are warning that teams of pickpockets may be at work in Blackpool town centre.

Detective sergeant Steve Atkinson believes the thieves may have turned to pickpocketing after extra town centre security deterred them from shoplifting.

The warning comes after five incidents in the past week, with some victims losing hundreds of pounds.

"I think there are several teams of people who perhaps would previously have gone shoplifting, but because of the introduction of CCTV cameras and the shops' radio-link, they've been deterred and turned to this kind of crime," he said.

"I'd warn people to always be conscious of where their purse or wallet is and make sure they're not readily accessible.

"Keep handbags fastened and don't put your wallet in your back pocket."

On Tuesday (August 5) a 45-year-old woman was targeted in Abingdon Street market.

A man and a woman stole her purse containing £45, but stallholders chased them and the thieves threw the purse and contents away before escaping.

The female thief was aged 27 to 30, slim, 5ft 3in, with a mouth sore. She wore a grey T-shirt, denim shorts and was carrying a black shoulder bag.

The male was 5ft 11in with short dark hair, slim, with a Liverpool accent, wearing a royal blue T-shirt.

Anyone who can help is asked to ring Blackpool CID intelligence unit on 293933.

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