Operation Jingle Bells
PROFESSIONAL pick-pockets in Bridgend have prompted a festive solution from police.
Operation Jingle Bells has seen police give away free clip-on bells for people to attach to their valuables when out shopping.
The move means people can hear if their property is being covertly removed from a bag or pocket.
Last week the Gazette reported that officers were investigating the possibility that professional thieves were coming to the borough and targeting elderly women in particular. The oldest victim so far is 94.
Police believe the culprits, operating in twos or threes, use a variety of methods to distract their victims and steal their purses.
The latest incident happened last Friday, between 10.30am-11am in Caroline Street, Bridgend, when an 80-year-old woman had her purse swiped from her handbag. The blue leather-type purse contained £85 cash and a Lloyds debit card.
Backing the campaign, Borough mayor Cleone Westwood said she felt the Jingle Bells initiative was a very worthy operation.
Inspector Eddie Ough said: “We are using all means at our disposal to tackle the problem, first and foremost with the Jingle Bells initiative. While our investigations into the reported crimes are ongoing, the Jingle Bells initiative will help to prevent further thefts taking place and make people more aware of this type of activity.
“We would remind people to be vigilant at all times and make sure that their purse and bags are secure.”