Shoppers on Anglesey will receive free purse bells as part of an initiative to help raise awareness of purse thieves.
Officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team and the Ynys Mon Crime Prevention Panel will be on hand to offer advice and give out personal safety information at supermarkets in Holyhead and Llangefni next week.
The bells are designed to be attached to the zip of a purse and acts as a deterrent to a thief and alert the purse owner should it be moved unknowingly.
Funding for the bells has been obtained via the PACT (Police and Community Trust) Community Beat Manager Small Grant Fund.
PCSO Iona Beckmann said: “Historically levels of criminality raise during the pre Christmas period, particularly in relation to theft from handbags as shoppers prepare for the festivities.
“The aim of this initiative is to raise public crime prevention awareness. We are working in partnership with the Ynys Mon crime prevention team, and together we will be engaging with local residents and making them aware of how to keep their shopping safe and promoting home and car security.”
Purse bells have already been handed out to members of the Benllech Ladies Group and officers will be available at the ASDA supermarket in Llangefni on 6th December between 1 and 2pm and Morrisons in Holyhead between 2:30 and 3:30pm.
Your dedicated team is working to make your neighbourhood a safer place to live. If you would like crime prevention advice you can contact your team directly on 101, or 0845 607 1001 (Welsh line) or 0845 607 1002 (English line).
Alternatively you can send a message to 66767 or email – [email protected]
Contact details for individual CBMs and PCSOs are available via the force website – www.north-wales.police.uk
With the Christmas period on the horizon, here are a few simple steps to help make your purse safer:
- Never let your handbag out of sight. Carry it in front of you especially if you’re walking through a shop or town centre.
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and if your purse or wallet is in a bag, ensure that the bag is securely zipped up.
- Keep your purse or wallet safe at all times. Don’t leave it in your shopping basket, trolleys, on restaurant or coffee tables, or on shop counters.
- If someone bumps into you, immediately check that they haven’t taken your purse or wallet from your bag or pocket. Theft can happen very quickly, and you may not notice you’ve been a victim until you next make a purchase.
- If you see anyone acting suspiciously, contact the police.
