Police in Preston are hosting a number of community crime prevention events in the run up to Christmas to help ensure residents enjoy a safe and happy Christmas.

Preston Neighbourhood Policing team will be giving out free ‘Jinglebells’ for shoppers to attach to their purse and bag to alert them if someone tries to tamper with it.

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They will also be given crime prevention advice.

PCSO Stephen Connolly said: “At this time of year, the town centre areas are busy with festive shoppers and therefore there are increased opportunities for the thieves to target people and steal bags and purses. The bells raise the alarm if the bag is tampered with and hopefully will also act as a visible deterrent to thieves.”

Police will also offer shoppers the option of registering their Christmas presents and other property on the national mobile property register

The scheme, operated through immobilise.com products has been funded by LANPAC and the Safer Preston Partnership.

The scheme enables phones, bikes, computers or any other registered item that is lost or stolen to instantly tell police, insurers, and the second-hand trade. These actions help greatly in the recovery of your property and capture of thieves.

The first event will take place between 10am – 4pm on Thursday 29th November at Fishergate Shopping Centre followed by events at Preston Indoor Market and St. Georges Shopping Centre.

To protect yourself against purse or bag theft, you should:

• Never leave your bag open or unattended, such as on the back of a shopping trolley or pushchair

• 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

• Never put your bag on the floor to look at something on shop shelves

• 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

Event Dates

Thursday 29/11/12 – Fishergate Shopping Centre

Friday 30/11/12 – Preston Indoor Market

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Weds 05/12/12 – Preston Bus Station (opp. stand 57)

Thursday 13/12/12 – St. Georges Shopping Centre

Friday 14/12/12 – St. Georges Shopping Centre

Saturday 15/12/12 – St. Georges Shopping Centre

Event Times

10am – 4pm