Hope that bells can stop purse thieves

Pontefract and Knottingley Neighbourhood Policing Team have come up with the novel idea to stop purse thefts over the festive period.

They are handing out purse clip bells to shoppers in Pontefract as part of their operation to prevent thefts from shoppers.

Pontefract Town Centre Police Community Support Officer, Becki Norbury, launched the operation this week by handing out a number of panic alarms and purse clip bells - the bells clip to a purse which means a person can hear if someone tries to steal their purse.

It is hoped that the bells will act as a deterrent to criminals and make victims more aware they are being targeted by thieves.

Extra patrols by Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) officers in Pontefract town centre will be supported by undercover officers and special constables.

Insp Richard Sullivan, of Pontefract and Knottingley NPT, said: “My officers will be working hard to ensure that visitors to Pontefract Town Centre will have an enjoyable shopping experience this Christmas.

“Non-uniformed officers posing as shoppers will work as additional eyes in the town centre supporting uniformed officers aiming to deter thieves.”

West Yorkshire Police are advising shoppers to take a few simple security precautions to stop pickpockets:

• Keep bags zipped and in sight at all times

• Never leave shopping unattended

• Do not carry too much cash and always keep wallets and purses in secure places rather than in the hand

• Do not carry wallets, cash or mobile phones in back pockets where they can be easily spotted and stolen by opportunist thieves

• Never leave personal items in trolleys in supermarkets