Coventry Christmas shoppers to be handed free accessories to deter thieves

Shoppers are being urged to take advantage of free anti-theft accessories in Coventry city centre



Shoppers in Coventry city centre will be handed free bells and a range of other safety accessories to deter thieves this Christmas. Coventry Business Improvement District (BID) has invested in thousands of items to help shoppers feel safe and secure in the city centre this festive period.

The festive market and big wheel are anticipated to drive more footfall into the heart of the city. The BID is offering more than 4,500 credit card defenders, 5,000 purse dipping bells, 500 secure shopper packs and 1,000 purse cables free of charge to shoppers.

Purse dipping bells attach to the zip of a purse and when a pickpocket attempts to lift the purse the twin bells will make a sound to alert of a potential theft. The purse cable allows shoppers to clip their purse to the inside of their handbag, which makes it more difficult to take without shoppers being aware.

Coventry BID manager Joanne Glover said: “Christmas presents an opportune time for thieves across the country to operate with so many people shopping, and as a city we are trying to lead the way in tackling this nationwide problem – as it is important that shoppers feel safe. Safety and security are at the top of the list of priorities for our businesses, so we have made this investment to provide free items to shoppers and visitors to the city centre.

“Christmas is always an incredibly busy time for the city centre as people visit our fantastic businesses to find the perfect gifts for their loved ones. The purse dipping bells, card defenders, purse clips and secure shopper packs will help to deter pickpockets and thieves in the city centre this Christmas and help visitors to enjoy everything we have to offer.”

Coventry BID has also teamed up with banks and building societies operating in the city centre, including HSBC, Yorkshire Bank and Nationwide to distribute the card defenders which help to prevent cyber theft. The wallet acts as a digital defender and prevents thieves from stealing card information. Card defenders are now available from bank branches across the city centre.

The safety and security measures are all being introduced in advance of the nighttime shopping event at West Orchards Shopping Centre and other shops in the city centre on the evening of Wednesday, November 29. Coventry BID has been operating in the city centre for 20 years and was voted in by levy paying businesses for its fifth five-year term earlier this year.

To find out more about Coventry BID visit http://www.coventrybid.co.uk

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