DOZENS of shoppers received free key chains in a bid to deter purse thieves during the festive period.
Officers from Colchester’s Community Policing Team issued more than 200 key chains in Lion Walk shopping centre on Wednesday after they were funded by East of England Co-Op and Colchester Neighbourhood Watch.
The team also issued safety advice and handed out crime prevention material.
Community inspector Danielle Booth said: “Purse thefts increase during the Christmas period and simple security measures like key chains can help deter criminals who want to steal your cash, bank cards and personal items for their own financial gain.
“I would like to personally thank East of England Co-Op and Colchester Neighbourhood Watch for funding them and their support in helping make our shopping communities safer.”
Lee Hammond, head of secure response services for the East of England Co-op, said: “We’re very pleased to be supporting Essex Police with their new initiative and engaging with the local community to help spread awareness of purse theft, particularly in the lead up to Christmas.
“Working in partnership with local police forces and other agencies enables us to take preventative measures, creating safer communities for people to live and work.”
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