An imaginative way of helping people keep their money safer in 2006 is being promoted by Huntingdonshire Community Safety Partnership and Huntingdonshire Business Against Crime (HBAC).

Bells. The type usually attached to collars to stop cats catching small animals and birds.  This year they will be handed out to shoppers to attach to their purses and wallets to help warn people if someone tries to steal their hard earned money.

All shoppers are encouraged to keep their valuables safe when shopping especially if you have just visited the bank or Post Office.  While in the supermarket handbags on shopping trolleys are a magnet for thieves.

PC Phil Carpenter from Cambridgeshire Constabulary Community Safety Department said: “ There have been a number of purses stolen in the Huntingdon area in weeks before Christmas.  In the majority of cases handbags were left either on the ground, or hanging from a shopping trolley while the owner left the trolley and went off shopping.  While nobody has been hurt during these incidents, the consequences of having either your purse or handbag stolen can be very stressful.”

Councillor Mrs Paula Longford, Huntingdonshire District Council’s executive councillor for community safety, said: “This is an excellent idea. Having a purse or wallet stolen is distressing. We hope that people will heed the advice that will be given to them along with the bells.”

Representatives from the Partnership and Huntingdonshire Business Against Crime will be at St Ives Market on Monday 23 January between 10am and 12pm, and at Huntingdon Market on Wednesday 25 January between 10am and 12pm.  People will be welcome to come along and receive a bell.  They will also be given an information leaflet ‘It’s Your Money – Keep It Safe’ which gives information on how to prevent purse theft and keep your money secure.

 There are lots of common sense tips in the leaflet, such as:
 Don’t carry larger amounts of cash than you need
 Spread your valuables around.  For example, keep your phone in your jacket, your house keys in your pocket and your money in your bag
 Carry your bag close to your body with the strap over your shoulder.  Keep your bag fastened at all times
 Be aware of who is around you, especially when you are in a crowded or busy place
 Never leave your purse or wallet unattended – even for a minute.

If you are not able to get along to either market you can still obtain a cat bell and leaflet by calling Tracey Guinea, Community Safety Assistant at Huntingdonshire District Council on 01480 388390, while stocks last.