POLICE say a proactive approach to pickpocketing in Uxbridge High Street resulted in a 31 per cent drop in offences last year.
In a bid to keep the number of thefts down, Hillingdon Police are working with local retailers, including The Chimes and Mall Pavilions, to organise crime prevention days.
Hundreds of lanyards - short cords which enable items such as keys or purses to be attached to bags to prevent pickpockets getting away with them - have also been distributed to shoppers.
PC Anthony Bennett, said: "This crime prevention initiative has allowed police officers, police community support officers, security staff and retailers to engage with shoppers and visitors whilst they enjoy what Uxbridge has to offer.
"It also allows my staff time to give simple, face-to-face crime prevention advice, raising the issue of safer neighbourhood policing, while reducing the fear of crime and raising satisfaction levels within Hillingdon and London as a whole."
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