DURBAN North police have urged shoppers to keep their handbags and valuables safe when shopping in the area.

This comes after a theft, and the subsequent arrest of two suspects, one of whom was pregnant, at a shop on Adelaide Tambo Drive (Kensington Drive) on Sunday.

Captain Raymond Deokaran, spokesperson for the station, said the suspects, who worked as a pair had allegedly stolen a cell phone from a shopper’s handbag which had been left on her trolley.

“Thieves targeting women, whose valuables are left on trolleys, often work in pairs or groups. The con works where one will distract the victim, while the other steals from them. In this case, one of the suspects, who was pregnant, asked the victim for help to retrieve an item on the top shelf at the shop. Deokaran said

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The victim obliged and had her back to the trolley when the theft occurred.

“When she turned around, she noticed her handbag was open. She looked through her valuables and realised her cellphone was missing. She immediately confronted the pregnant suspect and an accomplice, who were detained as they attempted to leave the store. The cellphone was found in their possession and was handed back to the victim,” said Deokaran.

He urged north Durban residents and shoppers to be cautious and vigilant when leaving handbags on trolleys in shops in the area.

“This theft took only a couple of seconds. However, I think the suspects are watching each time and take an opportunity when it arises. I’m urging shoppers not to leave bags in their trolley, to be vigilant and to never leave a bag unattended,” he said.