Police: No more dancing round handbags
Police in Brighton & Hove have written to a number of city centre venues suggesting they limit what clubbers can take in to the bar with them.
Pubs and clubs are invited to take part in Operation Clear Space.
Inspector Bill Whitehead said: "Around twenty five percent of all thefts in the city occur in licensed premises with handbags, mobile telephones, wallets and jackets being the main items stolen.
"The Honeyclub introduced a ban on handbags last summer after a string of thefts.
It is clear from our statistics that few people have items stolen when they leave them in the cloakroomInspector Bill Whitehead.
"The scheme has been a huge success and has had a dramatic impact in terms of reducing the number of thefts. We are now looking to extend the scheme across other major venues.
"Although no venue will be forced to take part in Operation Clear Space, we will be strongly recommending that licensees do so.
"Under the scheme, people will be still able to take in purses, small clutch or wrist bags, while all other bags will be left in cloakroom facilities.
"It is clear from our statistics that few people have items stolen when they leave them in the cloakroom.
"The policy will also allow us to tackle any potential security risk. Five men were recently jailed for planning to bomb the Ministry of Sound nightclub in London. We do need to be aware and vigilant."
