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The Safer Bromley Partnership is running a campaign through charity shops to combat criminals who prey on unsuspecting shoppers.
For a small donation to the charity, shoppers can obtain a bell to attach to their purse. The noise of it jingling could be enough to alert them that someone is trying to steal it from their bag. All charity shops in the borough will be offered a box of bells.
Portfolio Holder for Public Protection and Safety and Chairman of the Safer Bromley Partnership, Cllr Tim Stevens said: "This is another tool in the armoury to thwart criminals intent on stealing possessions from unsuspecting shoppers, though not a substitute for taking good care of your bags, especially at this busy time of the year when it is easy to be distracted in the crowds."
As well as attaching a purse bell, the Partnership advises shoppers to look after their bags by:
- zipping them up
- carrying them with the clasp facing in and
- making sure they are in view when visiting a busy restaurant.
Cllr Stevens added: "It's the season of goodwill and most people are honest and caring but there will always be a minority who use this crowded festive time of year to mask their criminal intentions to steal people's possessions. They will look for people who are distracted by shopping, eating out or chatting with friends or sometimes, the criminals will create their own distraction by bumping into someone or dropping something. We don't want people to stop enjoying themselves, but just to be vigilant and aware of their surroundings when in crowded places and take a few simple precautions to protect their belongings."
Picture shows: Safer Bromley Partnership Chairman Cllr Tim Stevens with Bromley resident Nell Riehl and the purse bells.
ENDS
- For media enquiries, please contact Susie Clark in Corporate Communications, on 020 8461 7911 or email susie.clark@bromley.gov.uk
