Police cadets warn Wimbledon shoppers to be watch out for thieves

Volunteer police cadets have been talking to shoppers in Wimbledon town centre warning them about opportunistic thieves.

In particular they have been warning people about a recent spate of thefts from customers in coffee shops.

Thieves have been taking handbags left under chairs and mobile phones left on table tops.

Other thefts have occurred while people have been walking round shops, and they have only realised their bag or pockets have been "dipped" when they have gone to pay.

The uniformed Volunteer Police Cadets, all local teenagers who give up their spare time to work with Merton police and support the community, spent a day giving out leaflets, advice and support to customers at all coffee shops in the town centre, and customers at the Centre Court Shopping Centre.

Cadet Ragavendira Jeyamohan, aged 18, said: "It has been good to help people and remind some about the dangers of leaving your belongings unattended."

Not a single theft or "dip" crime was reported in the vicinity, during the day on which the Volunteer Police Cadets were deployed in Wimbledon Town Centre.

Wimbledon Town Centre team Sergeant Tony Oram, said: "We work hard with our local businesses to deter crime, supporting families and visitors to Wimbledon. I'd like to thank our Volunteer Police Cadets, who all gave up their Saturday to come and look after the Town Centre with us. They have worked a long day meeting people, giving our leaflets and reassuring our community."

The teenagers of Merton Volunteer Police Cadets take part in a wide range of exciting opportunities and events, from ceremonial parades and public shows, to adventure training activities and crime prevention work with local police teams.