Not a single mobile phone or handbag was stolen in Wimbledon town centre during a recent patrol by young volunteers, police claimed.

Following recent warnings about opportunistic thieves targeting customers at coffee shops, Merton Police’s volunteer cadets were out on patrol on Saturday, October 29, to give out leaflets and advice to residents at Centre Court Shopping Centre.

Cadet Ragavendira Jeyamohan, 18, said: "It has been good to help people and remind some about the dangers of leaving your belongings unattended."

Police warned shoppers about forgetting to secure bags, money or other valuable properly because people will often not realise their bag or pockets have been ‘dipped’ until they pay for their shopping or reach for a missing phone.

Sergeant Tony Oram, who leads the Wimbledon town centre team, said "We work hard with our local businesses to deter crime, supporting families and visitors to Wimbledon.

“I'd like to thank our Volunteer Police Cadets, who all gave up their Saturday to come and look after the Town Centre with us.

"They have worked a long day meeting people, giving our leaflets and reassuring our community."

For advice on staying safe while shopping, visit: met.police.uk/crimeprevention/personal or call a safer neighbourhood team by dialling 101.

For more information about the Merton Volunteer Police Cadets, visit www.met.police.uk/cadets/ or call 0208 649 4013.

Got a story for us? Call 020 8722 6333, tweet @WimbledonNews or email: newsdesk@wimbledonguardian.co.uk.