Police Warning As Pick Pockets Hit Inverness

6th February 2014

Police issue safety advice on how to keep your possessions safe after reports of pick pocketing.

Police Scotland is looking to remind members of the public about how to keep personal possessions safe after reports from members of the public regarding incidents of pick pocketing in the Inverness area.

Police received two reports of pick pocketing in the city centre of Inverness last weekend and are advising members of the public to be aware and to avoid becoming a victim to this type of crime.

Although crimes of pick pocketing, and theft are low within the Highland and Islands, knowing how and where criminals who commit these crimes operate will help you avoid falling victim to them.

Thieves frequently operate:
At cash machines,
In car parks,
In and around bus/train stations,
In overcrowded areas, especially at rush hour,
Shopping centres.
Be aware and keep your possessions safe:

Never leave your bags or other valuables unattended in public places,
Never keep pin details with your bank cards,
Be discreet with your belongings; displaying expensive jewellery or electronic devices, like mobile phones or cameras, could attract unwanted attention,
Don’t make your mobile phone a moving target,
Don’t tempt mobile phone thieves, be aware when making a call.
Reduce the risk of mobile phone theft by following these simple tips:

Don’t leave your phone on tables in pubs or restaurants,
Don’t walk and text at the same time, you will be less aware of what is happening around you,
Keep calls in public places as brief as possible, the longer you talk, the more likely you are to be spotted by a potential thief,
Be aware of your surroundings and stay alert to what’s going on around you.
Vehicle crime is preventable with the following advice:

It can take as little as 10 seconds for a thief to steal something from your car. If at all possible, leave nothing on view,
Never leave your car keys where they can be seen from the front door of your property,
Never leave your keys in the car, even for a second - treat them as you would your cash and credit cards.
If you have any information on stolen goods, or believe that you may have been offered stolen items, report it to the police by calling 101.

Film shows one theft and there are many variations to grab yur property.