CHRISTMAS will come early to the Port Arcades Shopping Centre, when shoppers will be able to collect a free jingle bell purse protector tomorrow (Thursday).

The bells clip on to the zip of a purse or wallet and act as a warning signal to shoppers in the event of any unexpected movement. The ringing sound alerts the owner to the possibility of belongings being stolen.

The initiative, organised by the Ellesmere Port Against Business Crime Unit and the Port Arcades Shopping Centre, will be supported by Cheshire police.

A similar event last year saw nearly 2,000 bells given out in just two hours. News about the success of the bells in Ellesmere Port travelled far and wide, with a shopping mall in America contacting the Port Arcades for information about implementing a similar scheme.

Ani Budd of the Ellesmere Port Against Business Crime Unit said: “This initiative is an effective way of giving shoppers the tools to stay one step ahead of crime, providing reassurance to the community of Ellesmere Port that we are all working together to keep the town a safe place to shop.”

Port Arcades manager Les Lyon said: “We were amazed at the public response to this scheme last Christmas and are delighted to once again be able to offer these devices to our shoppers free of charge.”