The CDRP will be handing out purse dipping bells to shoppers at Kings Walk in Gloucester
Wednesday December 9, 2009
Members of the Gloucester Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) will be handing out purse dipping bells to shoppers at Kings Walk in Gloucester on Monday December 14 and Tuesday December 15 to help prevent purse thefts.
The purse bells, designed to deter pick pockets, are being distributed as part of the CDRP’s annual Community Safety Event.
Gloucester Crime Reduction Officer, PC Kevin Ireland, said: "Crowded shops, trains, buses, pubs, clubs and restaurants can present an ideal opportunity for pickpockets to steal from you.
"Never leave your handbag in a shopping trolley or basket and never leave valuables at the top of an open bag or shopping trolley as it is an invitation to a thief.
"Make it difficult for thieves by keeping your purse or wallet close to your body and avoid carrying too much cash. Always keep your wallet in an inside pocket where it would be hard for a thief to reach it."
Members of the CDRP including police officers, officers from the City Council, Gloucester City Homes and Gloucestershire Young People’s Substance Misuse Service will be on hand at the event with crime prevention advice and information.
Once again the CDRP have produced the popular crime reduction calendar giving topical and seasonal crime prevention messages which will be distributed free of charge.
There will be informative displays about the CDRP’s work as well as a replica drugs case.
Councillor Andrew Gravells, cabinet member for community safety at Gloucester City Council, said: "Even though crime in Gloucester has reduced over the last five years, we endeavour to work in partnership to drive down crime and anti-social behaviour still further and provide a better quality of life for our communities.
"Crime can often be prevented by taking small precautionary measures and we are keen to inform residents of how they can help to keep themselves safe."
The CDRP also need information from the public on who is committing crime, and would encourage anyone who can support us in providing that information to ring the Police on 0845 090 1234 or to call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111."