JUNE 2005

Northamptonshire Police Online

Warning Bells In Kettering and Corby

Warning bells will be ringing out in Kettering and Corby this week and next as part of a campaign by Northern Area Police to clamp down on purse and handbag thefts.

Police officers will be handing out mini bells to shoppers that can be attached to purses or bags so that if they are tampered with, the warning tinkle should alert the owner.

Over the past few weeks, there has been a spate of thefts of purses from people's pockets and from open or unattended handbags, and bags have also been stolen from the handles of buggies and shopping trolleys.

Officers will be in Corby and Kettering town centres on Saturday (May 28) and next Thursday (June 2) handing out bells to vulnerable people including the elderly and other potential victims including mums with buggies, and people will be urged to be extra careful with their purses and bags.

Community police officers will be working out of the Mobile Police Station in Corby town centre on both days offering crime prevention advice along with the free bells.

In Kettering, officers will be handing out bells from a crime prevention stall in the Newlands shopping centre on both days and will also be chatting to people at the main Post Office and stores, including charity shops and card shops, where offences have occurred in the past.

Officers have a total of 1,000 free bells and flyers to hand out, thanks to funding from Corby Community Safety Partnership, Tops Estates and Kettering Borough Crime Initiative.

Community Beat Officer for Corby town centre, PC Mead said: "There is currently a problem not only locally but nationwide where offenders, including females and males, are snatching purses out of bags, often while the owner is distracted in a store or in the street.

"We will be handing out bells and encouraging people to attach them to their purses or bags to alert them if they are tampered with. However there are some simple things that people can do to help prevent them from becoming victims including never leaving your purse or handbag open or unattended.

"Offenders normally work in pairs and may bump into you or put their hands in your pocket to steal items. If you become aware of anybody invading your personal space, keep hold of your purse or handbag, move away from them and alert a member of shop staff, a security guard or a Police Officer."

The crime prevention advice is:

· Never leave your bag unattended, on the back of a shopping trolley or pushchair, for example

·Always make sure your bag is securely shut by using the fasteners provided

·If your bag has a strap, wear it across your body with any flaps facing inwards and hold it close to your body

·Never put your bag on the floor to look at something on shop shelves, for instance, or when trying on clothes in changing rooms

·If you do not have a bag, hold your purse or wallet close to your body or carry it in an inside pocket if you have one· Avoid carrying large amounts of cash

·Only keep items in your bag that are needed

·Keep your cash card separate from your chequebook

Witnesses to any crimes or anyone who sees any suspicious activity are asked to call Northern Area Police on 01536 400400