A scheme to help raise awareness of purse thieves has been launched in Caernarfon.
Members of the local Neighbourhood Policing Team, with funding from Crimebeat, have been distributing free purse bells to shoppers, in a bid to deter purse and handbag thieves.
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.
“Purse thefts are opportunistic crimes and members of their public need to be aware of the actions they should take to minimise the risks,” said PCSO Michael Sambrook, who handed out the bells outside Morrisons in Caernarfon on Saturday afternoon.
“The response from the public was really good and it was a great opportunity for us to give generic advice on how to keep personal belongings safe whilst out Christmas shopping.”
Further bells have been distributed to other members of the Neighbourhood Policing Team in Waunfawr, Bontnewydd, Felinheli and Bethel.
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
The photograph shows PCSO 2919 Michael Sambrook at Morrisons in Caernarfon.
Top tips for keeping your purse safe:
• 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.
