Published: Monday 26th November 2018 | 3.31pm
Following the successful initiative in May this year, Cannock Chase Community Partnership is giving away purse charms to residents in the District this winter.
Purse charms can alert you if someone is trying to steal your purse or wallet. This type of crime is called purse dipping and is most common in busy town centres, shops or public spaces.
These charms are a simple but effective personal security item and are suitable for people of all ages. They have previously helped to cut crime in other parts of the country like Leicester, Sheffield and Manchester.
Simply clip the charm to the zip on your purse or wallet and if someone tries to dip into your handbag the twin bells will jingle to alert you to any potential theft.
The purse charms have been supplied by Cannock Chase’s Community Safety Partnership and are available to residents for free at Council receptions in Cannock and Rugeley. You’ll also find them in selected charity shops in Hednesford, Cannock and Rugeley from 3 December 2018.
Councillor Carl Bennett, Crime and Partnerships Portfolio Leader for Cannock Chase Council said “The purse charm initiative was very successful earlier in the year with stock going very quickly.
“In the weeks leading up to Christmas there are more people shopping in our town centres. These purse charms are a simple but effective way of keeping your purse or wallet safe.”
Duncan Rollo, Partnerships Manager, Cannock District Policing Team said “We support this initiative by Cannock Chase Community Safety Partnership. Sadly this time of year sees an increase in this type of offence nationwide. The purse charms are proven to be effective deterrent and we encourage members of the public to take up the offer and protect their belongings.”