Archived press release

Date Published: 08/12/06

An innovative crime prevention tool is being promoted by the Aylesbury Vale Community Safety Partnership to ensure the district’s shoppers don’t fall prey to criminals this Christmas. Cats bells are being handed out to shoppers to att...

An innovative crime prevention tool is being promoted by the Aylesbury Vale Community Safety Partnership to ensure the district’s shoppers don’t fall prey to criminals this Christmas.

Cats bells are being handed out to shoppers to attach to their purses and wallets to help warn people if someone tries to steal their valuables.

The bells – which are normally found attached to collars to stop cats catching small animals and birds – have proved to be an effective tool in the fight against crime in town centres across the country.

Shoppers are welcome to pick up free cats bells from the council’s customer service centre at 66 High Street, the Natwest Bank, First Choice and the Uptown Coffee Bar in Aylesbury town centre. Cats bells are also available from the Old Gaol in Buckingham.

Councillor Pam Pearce, Cabinet Member for Community Matters at Aylesbury Vale District Council, said: “The consequences of having either your purse or wallet stolen can be very stressful and distressing. We are encouraging shoppers to take advantage of these free cats bells to stop them becoming crime victims this Christmas.”

Cats bells were introduced in Aylesbury and Buckingham in 2005 to combat a rise in ‘purse dipping’ and theft. Since their introduction, and with the assistance of other crime reduction initiatives, Aylesbury town centre has seen a 50 per cent decrease in the number of thefts reported.

All shoppers are encouraged to keep their personal belongings safe when shopping this Christmas, especially if you have just visited the bank or post office. Offenders often target shoppers not only in the busy town centres but also in local shops. Purses and wallets can be easily snatched without you even noticing until you go to the till.

You can reduce the risks by taking these easy steps:
• Keep your purse or wallet securely on your person and not on the shopping trolley
• If you carry a wallet, do not keep it in your back pocket
• Only take your essentials with you. Leave anything valuable or additional credit/debit cards that you do not need, securely at home
• Spread your valuables around. For example, keep your phone in your jacket, your house keys in your pocket and your money in your bag
• Always keep handbags/shopping bags closed and zipped up

Nathan March, Crime Reduction Advisor at Thames Valley Police, said: “The bells have been very popular as they not only alert a purse owner that someone is trying to take their purse, but also serve as a reminder, every time the purse is used, that it should be put safely away before the shopper leaves the area where they have used it. It is important that shoppers remain aware of what is happening around them when they are in town doing their Christmas shopping. It is easy to become distracted by bargains, especially when the shops are as busy as they become during the festive season.”

If you are a victim of crime whilst shopping or notice anything suspicious, contact the shop manager or store security as soon as possible.

If you witness a crime occurring ring 999 or alternatively for non emergencies, contact Thames Valley Police on 0845 8 505 505.You can also give information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.