For police in the Fylde have launched an innovative operation in an attempt to deter purse and bag thieves.

Under Operation Jingle Bells, 2,000 bells are being handed out to local shoppers for women to attach to their handbags and purses.

Police Community Support Officer Steve Turne,r from St Annes Police Station, said: “These bells are a great way of helping to prevent crime in the Fylde.

“There have been a recent spate of thefts of purses and bags in the area and with it being the Christmas period people tend to carry more money when they’re shopping. I would urge all shoppers to always keep an eye on their bags.”

PCSO Ed Watterson, also based at St Annes, has been handing out the bells to members of the public in the town.

He added: “People have responded really well to this festive idea.

“The elderly seem to be a target for this sort of crime. Hopefully the bells will do the trick and it will be nice to hear the jingling around Christmas!”

Fylde Community Safety Partnership and Lancashire Partnership Against Crime provided funding for the community initiative.

Ian Groundwater, partnership manager for LPAC, said: "We were approached by St Annes who wanted to hand out these bells in readiness for Christmas when there seems to be more thefts from vulnerable people.

"If the purse is moved it activates the bell.

“Hopefully, it will have an effect and will keep people's property a lot safer."