South Lincolnshire Community Safety Partnership will be launching a 'Jingle Bells' project to run over the Christmas period.
At this time of year the streets become crowded with festive shoppers, which can prove an attractive target for thieves, especially as people become laden with shopping bags it is easy to forget to make sure your handbag is closed.
To raise awareness of purse theft and personal security South Lincolnshire Community Safety Partnership have purchased 2,000 purse bells and 1,00 purse chains for distribution by Neighbourhood Policing Teams and representatives from South Holland and South Kesteven District Councils.
Purse bells will be available at public engagement events, for example local Christmas markets and low confidence days. The key dates for distribution are:
- Sunday 28 November 2010 – Grantham Christmas Market
- Wednesday 1 December 2010 – Grantham and District Neighbourhood Watch Association, Grantham ASDA
- Tuesday 7 December 2010 – Holland Market low confidence day
- Sunday 12 December 2010 – Stamford Christmas Market
Each neighbourhood policing team will also receive a stock of purse chains to distribute to more vulnerable members of the community.
Jingle Bells Campaign Leaflet (PDF, 661KB)
The Community Safety Partnership offers the following advice:
- If you can, wear your bag with the strap across your body. When carrying bags on your shoulder, make sure you carry them in front of you.
- Keep bags closed and fastened. Be wary when wearing a backpack.
- Keep your purse out of sight.
- Use cash machines in daylight, or have someone you trust with you.
- Don’t show off your cash.
- Walk confidently and be aware of what’s going on around you.
- Avoid confrontation; it’s not worth it.
If something does happen to you, report it. You could stop it happening to someone else. You can call Lincolnshire Police’s non-emergency number 0300 111 0300.
