Uxbridge police are urging shoppers to be extra vigilant about their personal belongings in the run up to Christmas.

With Christmas fast approaching, many people will be doing their shopping to make December 25 special for loved ones, but this is also the time when shoppers forget to keep an eye on their personal belongings and become victims of theft.

Officers from Uxbridge Town Centre policing team will continue to run Operation Wixan, to ensure Hillingdon residents have a pleasant experience, whether shopping or celebrating in the borough this festive season without fear of crime or anti-social behaviour.

Acting Sergeant James Burgess, who runs the Town Centre Team, said: “The police do see an increase in pick pocketing offences during this time of year due to a large number of shoppers in the lead up to Christmas.

“This is why we have increased the number of officers patrolling the town centre and making it a hostile place for criminals.”

Operation Wixan was launched in July 2015, and sees enhanced high visibility policing with plain clothed officers patrolling the town centre and targeting pickpockets.

Since its launch, the team have arrested 23 people for various offences including pick pocketing, distraction theft, possession of drugs and drug supply.

13 have been charged and sent to court while a number remain on bail pending further enquiries.

Simple measures

Sergeant Burgess offered his advice to those shopping in the coming weeks.

He said: “I would like to stress that while thefts from bags and coats are unlikely to involve direct threats, realising that you've had something stolen can still be distressing, costly and a big inconvenience.

“I am therefore urging everyone to take the few simple measures to prevent yourself from becoming a victim of crime and familiarise yourself with some of the tactics that they use.”

“If you see anything suspicious please inform a police officer, member of security staff immediately.”

Over the next few weeks, the team will also be giving out anti-theft purse bells at various locations in Uxbridge .

The bells, which clip onto purses and bags and make a sound if they're moved, have been provided thanks to a joint initiative between the police, Intu Shopping Centre, The Pavilions Shopping Centre, Uxbridge Forward , and Hillingdon Council .

The dates and times that the bells will be issued can be found by clicking here and following the links to the Uxbridge Town Centre page.

You can also find details about what the Town Centre Team are doing by following them on Twitter at @MPSUxbridgeTnC.

To prevent shoppers becoming victims of theft, Uxbridge Town Centre Policing Team is urging everyone to take a few simple measures:

  • If your bag has a zip or a clasp, keep it fastened when you're out and about
  • Carry your Oyster card or travel ticket separately to avoid flashing your wallet or purse unnecessarily
  • Always be aware of your surroundings, especially when using your phone in public
  • Make sure your phone is locked with a PIN or code and install a tracker app in case it's stolen
  • Plan your journey home in advance, use taxis (black cabs) or pre-booked mini-cabs

Pick pockets use a variety of tactics and distractions to steal your personal items - Here are some of them so you don't become a victim of crime:

  • Bumping into people in a crowded space - Be suspicious of anyone finding a reason to come too close to you
  • Taking things from bags hanging on the backs of buggies and wheelchairs
  • Picking up handbags put down by people trying on clothes
  • Distracting people by showing maps or trying to sell Christmas cards