Police tackle pickpockets in York city-centre

Operation Dip was first launched earlier this year to target thieves and night-time revellers in the city, partly as a response to the number of reported handbag, phone and purse thefts.

Sgt Fiona Wiley, of York Police, said: “Over recent months, we have noticed an increase in members of the public reporting their personal property stolen.

“This is mainly down to opportunist thieves who see property unattended or in open handbags in crowded areas. We are urging people to take care of their property by making sure handbags are closed, phones are not left on tables, and jackets are not left unattended.”

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said no arrests had been made as a result of yesterday’s operation, but said the main focus of the operation was on crime prevention, and officers urged residents and visitors to York to take steps to make life difficult for pickpockets.

Police displayed posters are on buses, taxi ranks, bus stops and licensed premises to raise awareness, and high-visibility patrols were on the streets to deter potential offenders and offer advice to the public.

In June, Operation Dip saw eight people arrested over one weekend, when plainclothed officers were stationed in bars and nightclubs around York, while high-visibility officers patrolled the city.

During that stage of the operation, police made no arrests in relation to bag theft, but for sexual assault, assault, and drunk and disorderly offences.

This week, plain clothes officers will also be used to spot and secure unattended property which could be vulnerable to theft, and officers will man a mobile police station in the city nightly, between Thursday and Sunday, to act as a deterrent and offer crime prevention advice.

Sgt Wiley said: “The police are making efforts to prevent these thefts from happening and we ask that people take responsibility for their property, particularly when out in clubs and bars.”