'Jingle bell' warning to thieves

Purse bells are designed to alert shoppers and to deter thieves

Free purse bells have been given to shoppers on Anglesey in an attempt to deter thieves.

The bells are attached to a purse zip and are designed to warn the owner if a pickpocket tries to steal it.

The bells were handed out to people in supermarkets in Holyhead and Llangefni by North Wales Police.

Organisers said the initiative was also intended to make people more aware of the need to protect their property, especially as Christmas approaches.

The bells have been distributed to shoppers over a number of years in different parts of the UK.

Police Community Support Officer 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."

The bells were given to shoppers at Asda in Llangefni and Morrisons in Holyhead.

North Wales Police said anyone who wanted crime prevention advice could contact 101, or 0845 607 1002 (English language line), or 0845 607 1001 (Welsh language line), send a message to 66767, or e-mail [e-mail].