POLICE will be using tiny cats bells as their latest crime fighting tool when they visit the James Paget University Hospital to offer advice on crime prevention.

POLICE will be using tiny cats bells as their latest crime fighting tool when they visit the James Paget University Hospital to offer advice on crime prevention.

The Magdalen Neighbourhood Policing Team will be at the hospital on Wednesday where they will be handing out bells to be attached to purses and wallets.

The aim is to stop thieves who target shoppers, particularly the elderly and mothers with pushchairs.

Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Bob Lawless said: “The purse bells not only act as a deterrent for thieves but they also act as a reminder to the owner to keep their belongings secure.”

To guard against thieves shoppers are reminded to:

Keep your bag closed and close to you at all times, if possible with the opening towards your body.

Close your purse and put it away before you leave the till.

Try not to overload yourself with bags and coats.

Avoid carrying your purse or wallet in a back trouser pocket.

Keep cash secure and out of sight.

Do not leave your handbag, push chair or shopping trolley unattended for any length of time.

Always make sure that no one is looking over your shoulder before entering your PIN number at the cash machine, make sure your money is put away before leaving the machine and ensure your purse is out of reach.

For more information phone the Magdalen NPT on 0845 4564567 or email sntmagdalen@norfolk.pnn.police.uk. To find out more about the team and its work visit www.norfolk.police.uk.