SHOPAHOLICS are being reminded to stay alert over the festive season - thanks to special bells on offer from Warwickshire Police.

Officers will be handing out the bells, which will be attached to purses to act as a deterrent to thieves.

Ch Insp Mike Slater, head of crime prevention, said: "Far too often we hear of offenders "dipping" into people's shopping bags and handbags and walking off with their purses.

"Shopping centres, supermarkets and individual shops at some time or other play host to these thieves."

Ch Insp Slater said thieves took advantage of crowded areas in the run up to Christmas.

"When we are busy we often forget to be vigilant about impromptu crime and this simple idea should help remind us," he added.