Prevent pickpocketing

To prevent pickpocketing and personal theft.

when you are out and about

Tipton, Great Bridge, and Princes End

pickpocketing relies entirely on speed and diverting your attention. Protect yourself across Sandwell by taking these immediate actions

1. Secure Your Belongings in Hotspot Areas

Pickpockets regularly target crowded spaces like Great Bridge Retail Park, Tipton High Street, and busy bus routes.

·         Bag Placement: Carry your bag or purse firmly in front of you, or wear it diagonally across your chest. Never let your bag hang loosely behind your back or over your shoulder.

·         No Open Totes: Keep all zips, buttons, and snaps completely closed. Avoid open tote bags, which make it easy for a thief to reach inside without you feeling it.

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·         Pockets: Keep your phone and wallet in your inside jacket pockets or deep front trouser pockets. Never slide your phone into an exposed back pocket or a loose coat pocket where it bulges and invites theft.

2. Recognize Distraction Tactics

Thieves rarely work alone; they operate in pairs or small teams to catch you off guard.

·         The Push or Bump: Be highly alert in crowded shop aisles or queues. A thief may deliberately bump into you or create a small commotion while an unseen accomplice reaches into your pocket.

·         "Hugger Mugging": Be cautious if a stranger approach you acting overly friendly, asking for a hug, or invading your personal space for no clear reason. This is a common tactic used to quietly swipe items right off your body.

·         The Map/Paper Trick: If you are sitting outside a café or restaurant, do not leave your phone or wallet flat on the table. A thief may approach you holding a map or newspaper, ask for directions, and use the paper to block your view while they lift your phone from the table underneath it.

3. Track and Protect Your Tech

If a thief does manage to take something, make sure they cannot use it or profit from it.

·         Block Your Network: Dial *#06# on your mobile phone right now to find your unique IMEI number and write it down somewhere safe. If your phone is stolen, give this number to your network provider to instantly blacklist the handset across the UK.

·         Register Your Items: Log your phone, keys, and tech serial numbers for free on the National Property Register via the Immobilise Website. If police recover stolen items in Sandwell, they scan this database to return them to you.

·         Use Trackers: Drop a small blue-tooth tracker or Air tag into your wallet or bag so you can trace its location via your phone if it is taken.

How to Report It Locally

·         If it is happening right now: If you see someone picking pockets or feel directly threatened, dial 999 immediately.

·         If the crime has already happened: Log the theft, description of the suspect, and any stolen item details via the West Midlands Police Live Chat or call 101.

·         Speak to your local team: The Tipton Town Neighbourhood Policing Team regularly runs safety pop-ups and mobile stations at the Great Bridge Retail Park and across Princes End. If you see them out on patrol, you can approach them directly to report suspicious individuals or flag hotspot areas

Thank you from Tipton police station.