With Christmas right around the corner, please take extra care if you are out doing your last-minute shopping in St Albans City Centre.

Pickpockets, or dippers, take advantage of busy and crowded areas and target people who have been using their mobile phone and not securing it properly.

Tips to protect yourself from dippers:

·  Only take your mobile phone out of your bag/pocket when you are by yourself

·  Secure your phone properly NOT in a loose pocket

·  Make a note of your mobile phone's IMEI number as this is the strongest way to identify it if lost or stolen

·  Do not place your phone down to browse

·  Ensure your bag is always shut

·  Leave valuables in a hidden pocket