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Thieves prey on women in town centre cafes
POLICE have warned women to be on their guard after a spate of bag snatches in two days.
Six bags were stolen within hours of each other from shoppers mostly sitting in cafes across South Tyneside.
In one incident, 84-year-old widow Adelaide Welch had her bag taken as she ate lunch in Nobles Amusements, King Street, South Shields. It contained a vital hearing aid worth 1,500.
Police are warning people to be more vigilant when out and about, and never let personal belongings out of their sight.
Incidents reported to police on Wednesday were:
n 12.30pm: Theft of a handbag from Nobles Amusements, King Street, South Shields, from an 84-year-old woman.
n 1pm: Morrisons, Jarrow, a 79-year-old reports handbag stolen.
n 1.10pm–5.20pm: A 61-year-old woman reported her handbag stolen as she unpacked her car in Ocean Road, South Shields.
n 2.45pm: A handbag is reported stolen from a woman in Atlantic bar, Mile End Road, South Shields.
Incidents reported on Thursday:
n 10.40am: A handbag is stolen from Cafe Nero in South Shields;
n 12.11pm: Peters the baker's, King Street, a handbag is reported as stolen.
Mrs Welch, whose bag also contained cash, keys and a mobile phone, today backed the police's warning.
She said: "I didn't even see it going, it was so quick. I feel devastated. I've always been one of these people who thinks nothing will happen to me.
"It just goes to show it can happen to anyone, and I want to warn others it could happen to you, so watch your things."
Mrs Welch, who is deaf in one ear, now has to use a broken hearing aid to help her until she is able to replace the one stolen.
She also had to pay to have her locks changed at her home in Gateshead.
She added: "I'd only had the hearing aid in my bag because I had been to Newcastle to have it checked.
Neighbourhood Inspector Simon Charlton said: "We would warn everyone to be vigilant when outside and to keep an eye on personal belongings."
A 25-year-old man has been charged with two counts of theft and remanded in custody by South Tyneside Magistrates' Court until September 14.
I really need my hearing aid because I do go out a lot, and I’m feeling lost without it.”
Neighbourhood Inspector Simon Charlton said: “We would warn everyone to be vigilant when outside and to keep an eye on personal belongings.”
n A 25-year-old man has been charged with two counts of theft and remanded in custody by South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court until September 14.
lisa.nightingale@northeast-press.co.uk
n From Page 1
the property armed with knives, machetes, a hammer and chain when the door was opened by the mum-of-three on January 8.
As Pc Wilson dragged two men away from the door, David Bulman lunged at him with a knife, narrowly missing the 39-year-old.
Yesterday, Bulman, 43, of Lorrain Road, South Shields,was jailed for three years at Newcastle Crown Court. He was found guilty at an earlier hearing of aggravated burglary and attempting to wound a police officer.
Paul Ratcliffe, 42, of Alice Street, South Shields, was also sentenced to three years after being found guilty of aggravated burglary.
Afterwards, Pc Wilson said: “He could have killed me. I just don’t think three years represents the seriousness of the crime. What type of message is this sentence sending out to people with knives?
“I am disappointed and feel as though it is very lenient.”
The court heard how Ms Alder was found hiding behind a bike after being hit in the head with a chain. Her young daughter was also in the house.
Following the attempt to wound Pc Wilson, he managed to escape putting the patrol car between himself and Bulman.
Bulman turned and ran, chased by Pc Paul Kindon.
It was then a mystery man carrying a Samurai sword appeared. He struck Bulman on the arm, allowing Pc Kindon to arrest him.
Pc Wilson added: “These people were armed with knives and hammers, what would they have done to Iris Aldus or her daughter if we hadn’t turned up?
“I was expecting they’d get at least five years.”
The court heard how Ratcliffe had recruited an armed gang to raid the house during a feud with a man he thought would be inside the property.
Judge, Mr Recorder John Aitken, praised the actions of the officers.
“I urge the Chief Constable to have regard to their behaviour in this highly dangerous and difficult situation.”
gazette.news@northeast-press.co.uk
n From Page 1
the settee and punching her again.”
The teen fled the house but was arrested after being traced through DNA at the scene.
At the time of the attack, on April 13, the youth was on bail for another robbery.
On March 16, he put his gloved hands around a woman’s throat as she walked alone along Bamburgh Avenue in Jarrow.
He told the 18-year-old: “drop your mobile and don’t scream”, before a struggle ensued.
The youth, now 16, admitted two charges of robbery.
Mr Recorder Martin Bethel sentenced him to five years behind bars.
The judge said the householder is unlikely to fully recover from her ordeal at his hands.
Defence barrister Glen Gatland said the youth is “deeply ashamed” of what he did and has made good progress while on remand.
A FLASHER who exposed himself to a woman in broad daylight is being hunted by police.
The woman was walking along Julian Street, South Shields at about 10am on Thursday, when a man dropped his jeans in front of her.
With his pants around his ankles, he then pulled down his boxer shorts.
The man is described as Asian, in his late 30s, about 5ft 11in, slim, with a pointy nose and pointy chin.
He had dark brown, greasy hair, which was brushed back, and was wearing dark blue denim jeans and a white T-shirt.
Anyone with information is asked to contact South Tyneside Police on (0845) 604 3043 or Crimestoppers on (0800) 555 111.
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Weather for South Shields
Tuesday 07 February 2012
Today
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Temperature: -3 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
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