*** FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ***

INFORMATIONAL:

Pickpockets Targeting Purses left on Seatbacks

Berkeley, CA – Over the past several months purses and handbags have been the target of pickpockets in and around the Shattuck Avenue Retail District.  Over the past 6 months there have been approximately 20 incidents in which the contents of a purse were taken by someone while the purse was hanging on the seatback of the owner.   In many cases the owner was sitting at the chair with the purse hanging next to them.  In each of these incidents the victim’s purses were left open, and the suspect was not seen. 

The Berkeley Police Department would like to remind the public that many of these incidents are crimes of opportunity.  Below are several steps people can take to protect themselves from these types of crimes.

• Never leave your purse unattended
• Put your purse somewhere where you can see it
• Keep your purse secure: close zippers and secure latches
• Be aware or your surroundings

Anyone with any  suspect information is encouraged to call the BPD Property Crimes Detail at (510) 981-5737 or email tips to police@ci.berkeley.ca.us You may remain anonymous.

Joe Okies
Badge #71
Public Information Officer
(510) 981-5752