Police praise bag theft crackdown

Police say the purse bells are simple but effective

Police say a recent crackdown on bag snatches in Leicester city centre has been a success.

The Leicester City Centre Joint Action Group handed out small bells for people to attach to their purses and bags from 1 December 2006 to 5 January 2007.

The bells act as an alarm to bag owners and a deterrent to thieves.

Officers said the number of reported incidents of thefts had been reduced from 87 to 73 compared with the same period in 2005/06.

Dick Pollard, community initiatives co-ordinator at Leicestershire Police, said: "It is just a simple idea but one that is so effective.

"The bells act as an alarm and this is useful for all people who carry bags and purses, but especially for the vulnerable members of our community."