PICKPOCKETS had better watch out this festive season as police hit the streets of Frodsham and Helsby to catch them red handed.
In the lead up to Christmas officers and police community support officers (PCSOs) have been handing out jingle bells and advice to shoppers and residents in an attempt to safeguard them against criminals.
Frodsham’s PCSO James McLaughlin has spent the last week standing in supermarkets, trading stalls and visiting old people’s homes, giving hundreds of bells out to Christmas shoppers.
PCSO McLaughlin said that officers had about 850 sets of jingle bells to give out to vulnerable residents and shoppers worried about getting their bags, wallets and purses stolen in the festive crowds.
“It is the first year that we have run this initiative in Frodsham and Helsby,” said PCSO McLaughlin.
“We will be giving the bells out throughout December at old people’s homes, in Morrisons and on the high street to help stop people falling victim to crime this Christmas.
“There will also be officers going into shops to deter shoplifters during the festive period.
“We will also be cracking down on anti-social behaviour in pubs, targeting drink drivers, and also going into stores to check charity boxes are secure following thefts in the past few weeks.”
The jingle bells can be picked up at Frodsham Police Station on Ship Street, Frodsham.
