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Mobile and purse safety campaign launched in Irvine

Police in Irvine have joined with local businesses to launch an awareness campaign and encourage members of the public to keep their purses and mobile phones secure.

Published 13th Jun 2016

Police in Irvine have joined with local businesses to launch an awareness campaign and encourage members of the public to keep their purses and mobile phones secure. "Watch Your Purse & Phone!!" is a national campaign led by the Scottish Business Resilience Centre and supported by Police Scotland.

As part of their Safe Summer campaign locality policing officers will be distributing posters for businesses to display and providing credit card size advice cards which offer advice on this area of personal security. Considerable distress and inconvenience can be caused to victims who not only lose money, contact details, bank and credit cards but could also see personal information and photographs fall into the hands of criminals.

Sergeant Jason Peter, of Irvine Locality Policing Team, commented "we are this week issuing a reminder to people to look after their possessions and take care when out and about. We are often contacted by people who are unsure as to whether their purse or phone has been lost or stolen.

"Whether people are visiting the shops, out for the night, travelling on public transport or visiting the beach during the summer months they should consider the safety of themselves and their possessions - this campaign will highlight the steps they can take to keep safe.

"I am delighted to have the local support of Scotmid and Semichem who assisted in the design and publication of the leaflets and posters."

Jim McFedries, Head of Profit Protection for Scotmid Co-operative added “We are delighted to sponsor the launch of the ‘Watch Your Purse & Phone!!’ campaign in Irvine and identify this as an important message to pass on to all our customers and staff.

"We recognise the importance of creating safe and secure communities and support Police Scotland in raising awareness on the campaign in the heart of our communities."

The campaign offers the following advice:

  • Never leave bags unattended.
  • Don't keep any handbags on a buggy or shopping trolley.
  • Keep all valuables secure, out of sight and bags zipped up.
  • Use a PIN code to secure your phone.
  • Security mark your phone and activate security features on your phone.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and avoid displaying your phone in public.