POLICE have been giving out jingle bells to prevent pickpockets during the festive period.

The Bournemouth Central Neighbourhood Team has been meeting Christmas shoppers to hand out bells and give out advice to prevent thieves fleeing with purses and wallets.

The bells can be attached to a purse or handbag and jingle when moved, alerting the owner to potential theft.

Police Community Support Officer Dom Smith said: “We have been giving away the bells in the hope of protecting Christmas shoppers from opportunist thieves during the busy festive season.

“While the chances of getting the contents of your handbag stolen are low, there are additional things you can do to further lower this risk.

“You should carry your handbag close to you with the clasp facing inwards.

“Keep it zipped up, make sure your wallet or purse can’t be seen and avoid carrying valuables or large amounts of cash.”

The bells were funded by the Bournemouth Businesses Reducing Crime group of retailers.

The safer neighbourhood team has been giving them out from a stand in the Avenue Centre in Commercial Road.

They have also been providing information on internet shopping, car theft and burglary.

PCSO Smith has also been recommending to shoppers that they spread possessions around in their bags.

“Consider keeping your mobile phone separate from your keys, and your store and credit cards separate from your purse,” he added.

“PIN numbers should not be kept with any cards.

“And finally, you should never leave your handbag unattended, particularly on shopping trolleys.”

The team has also been giving out handbag lanyards – which have a clip on each end to enable the person to attach their handbag to their purse.