High visibility anti - crime campaign gets cash boost

Reporter: Ask Bury
Date online: 25 August 2006

The next phase of Operation dipper is due to start on September 2 with the aim of making Bury one of the safest places to shop in the North West. Financial backing has been given by the Greater Manchester High Sheriff's Police Trust to the tune of £7,500.

Following huge recent successes in reducing crime year on year, Operation dipper will tackle thieves who "dip’ into shopping bags and steal purses and valuables. It will raise awareness of purse theft and give an increased police presence within the town. Crew from a local radio station, Tower FM will be handing out bum bags bought with the funding to vulnerable residents and those with bags which would prove easy pickings for a thief.

Police will also be attaching 3,000 bells to shopper’s purses, an idea which was so successful when it was launched earlier this year that it has now been adopted in Bolton and Leeds.

"Purse watch’ flags will be erected throughout the town to act as a visible reminder and carrier bags containing crime prevention advice will also be distributed.

Sergeant Richard Pendlebury said: "We are delighted that the Greater Manchester High Sheriff's Police Trust has come through with financial backing to make this operation a success. We want to give town centre visitors the freedom to shop in complete safety - and we’re getting there". 

Councillor Tony Isherwood Executive Member for Safe, Strong Communities said: "The BurySafe members are truly dedicated to eradicating the town of criminals. Antisocial behaviour, drug use, purse thefts and acquisitive crimes are all high on our agenda and one by one we’ll be picking off these individuals so that our town is one of the safest in the North West - if not the whole of the UK."