JINGLE bells are being offered to shoppers in Blackburn today as part of a campaign to tackle thieves this Christmas.

Police are offering jingle bells and Christmas crime prevention advice at the information stand in the Mall, Blackburn, between 11am and 2pm.

Sgt Rachel Baines said: "The idea is to deter would-be thieves and pick pockets from helping themselves to other people's property this Christmas.

"I encourage shoppers to attach the jingle bells to their purses and handbags, so if anyone interferes with them, the bells will jingle and alert you.

"This is the third year jingle bells have been given out and they have always been very popular with Christmas shoppers.

"They have also been particularly useful in encouraging shoppers to keep personal belongings safe when out shopping this Christmas.

"The jingle bells are just one of a range of measures in place this Christmas to help keep people who live and work in Blackburn and their property safe.

"And if they stop just one person from having their purse, wallet or handbag stolen this Christmas, it will be worth it."

This comes as part of a countywide campaign to tackle anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related crime.

Operation Shepherd will focus on reducing incidents of juvenile nuisance, violence, car crime, burglary, criminal damage and domestic violence over the festive period.

Jingle bells will be available from the help desk at the town centre and Greenbank police stations, The Mall, Blackburn, and BBC Radio Lancashire.