Basildon Round Table

Thieves put off by jingle bells

From Basildon Echo, Thursday 3rd December 2009

HUNDREDS of people took part in a new crime-fighting scheme that police say has already been a massive success.

More than 450 shoppers at Basildon’s Eastgate Centre took advantage of Essex Police’s latest bright idea – bells.

Officers from the town were handing out the purse bells to shoppers in a bid to combat pickpockets. They said over the weekend they had no reports of purse thefts in the town, which was highly unusual for Basildon.

The two tiny bells can be attached to the zip of a purse or wallet, so if a crook tries to snatch a purse from a handbag or pocket, it’s owner will be alerted by the ringing.

People lined up on Saturday to get the free bells, which were part-funded by the Basildon Round Table.

Sgt Simon Gray of Basildon police, one of the officers handing out the bells, said: “They are two little bells, which you can attach to your purse.

“The event was a great success and over the weekend we had no reports of purse thefts in the town centre, which is completely unheard of.”

Nick Hooper, president of the Basildon Round Table, said: “We are working with police to support the elderly residents of Basildon.”

The Round Table has spent about £500 on the bells and purse chains. The cash came from funds raised by the group’s Christmas sleigh and fireworks display at Gloucester Park.