NIGHTCLUBS and pubs in York are the focus of a police crackdown on opportunist thefts.

Officers say thieves have been targeting young women in city-centre nightspots who leave valuables and handbags on display.

Members of the Micklegate Safer Neighbourhood Team will be launching Operation Dip this weekend – handing out crime prevention advice about being more secure with their property while they are drinking and dancing until the early hours.

It follows a recent spate of thefts in the city centre. PC Kelly McTighe said thieves tended to strike between 10pm and 3am.

She said during the later hours, particularly after the consumption of alcohol, people become less vigilant in looking after their possessions.

She said: “Women can tend to leave their bags or mobile phones while they visit the lavatory or bar and are easy pickings for thieves.

“These handbags can contain house keys, purses and mobile phones and it is very distressing at the end of the night to find out these have gone.”

She said women often left their handbags in sight, but this would give them a “false sense of security” – she warned opportunist thieves could quickly snatch items.

High-visibility police, special constables and plain-clothes officers will patrol pubs and clubs in York city centre on Friday, Saturday and Sunday night handing out crime prevention information.

PC McTighe said the aim of Operation Dip was to “detect, deter and apprehend those responsible”.

For further crime prevention advice, or to report a crime, phone North Yorkshire Police on 0845 6060 247 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.