Warning over warm weather robberies

Police suggest skipping the cashpoint if you feel threatened

Northampton Police are fighting a rise in summer street crime by asking people to be be more vigilant about their personal safety.

In recent weeks, the town has had an increased number of street robberies like bag snatches and the grabbing of mobile phones or wallets.

Detective Constable Otis Goldsmith said: "I would like to reassure people that we have taken a number of measures such as increasing patrols in a bid to deal with this, but I would ask people to think about their own personal safety and be streetwise."

He urged caution at cashpoints, telling people who are withdrawing money to take notice of suspicious activity around them.

He said police are also discouraging people from wearing stereo headphones or using mobile phones when out walking so that they can hear if someone approaches.

He said less than six percent of crime in the town is violent crime, but that does not mean dropping one's guard.

Dc Goldsmith added: "The fear of crime is often much greater than any risk of becoming a victim, but it is a good opportunity for us to remind people of the need to be sensible and take care of themselves and their property."