“Jingle Bells” will keep thieves at bay

Christmas shoppers in Lancashire are being given purse bells to try to prevent handbag thefts. As part of a new crime prevention initiative, Lancashire Constabulary are taking a pro-active approach to help prevent the occurrence of purse and handbag theft by giving away tiny bells, festively named 'Jingle Bells’, for people to attach to their purses, handbags and wallets.

The aim of the scheme, funded by LANPAC, is to stop thieves who target shoppers and mothers who leave their bags, prams or pushchairs unattended.

The photograph shows Ian Groundwater from LANPAC and Mussurat Zia with the jingle bells.

Ian Groundwater from LANPAC said: “This simple initiative decreases the risk of becoming a victim of theft by increasing people’s awareness. Apart from the money in a purse or bag there are often bankcards, keys and personal items such as family photographs taken. This project has been used by other forces up and down the country and helped raise awareness of pickpockets".

"The bells are not only a deterrent for thieves, but they also act as a reminder to secure your wallet or purse. If you can hear the bell ringing then your purse or wallet is not secure enough and you need to put it at the bottom of your bag with the opening securely fastened."

He added: "Local people are reminded to be vigilant when shopping, be wary of other shoppers who 'crowd' you, keep your handbag or shopping bags closed and don't leave your purse in view. If the bells prevent even one person from having their purse or wallet stolen this Christmas then we will judge the campaign a success."

PCSO Cliff Riley from Morecambe town centre said: “I handed out almost 100 bells in about an hour and the feedback I had was excellent. It was a good chance for me to remind shoppers about the need for personal security and everyone I spoke to thought it was a fantastic idea."

LANPAC also advise shoppers to take other sensible security measures including:
Never leave your bag unattended on the back of shopping trolleys or on pushchairs
Always make sure that your bags are securely shut by using the fasteners provided
If your bag has a strap, wear it across your body with the openings facing inwards and hold it close to your body
Never put your bag on the floor to look at anything on the shelves or when trying on clothing in changing rooms
Only keep items in your bag that you need and leave other valuables in a safe place at home
If you do not have a bag, hold your purse/wallet close to your body or carry it in a secure or concealed front pocket
Keep your cash card separate from your cheque book
Where possible, avoid carrying around large amounts of cash
Always remain aware of what is going on around you
Keep a note of the correct phone numbers to ring to report stolen cards and if your purse or wallet is stolen, make sure you report the loss of your credit cards or cash cards to your bank/card issuer IMMEDIATELY as thieves can use cards to buy items over the phone or Internet.