Replica Watches,Wemen's Handbags,Fashion Shoes

Byline: By STEVE EVANS

ASTONISHED market traders in Nuneaton struggled to cope with the demand when they declared war on purse-snatchers plaguing the town.

In just a few hours, the self-styled crimebusters fitted a remarkable 1,200 cat bells to the purses and handbags of shoppers eager to take advantage of a novel 'alarm' system.

"It really was astonishing," said former market trader Paul Lancaster, who is now chairman of the Nuneaton Business Alliance.

"It means 1,200 women in Nuneaton now have their purses and handbags protected against theft."

Fashion Set

Mr Lancaster and colleagues set up a special stall in Nuneaton Market Place to fit the cat bells free of charge.

Queues started forming 15 minutes before the stall opened.

outdoor led down lights

"It was an unbelievable response," he said. "It was like an NHS dentist's queue - it just went on, and on, around the back of the stall and beyond.

"Hopefully, thieves in Nuneaton will now get the message - and go somewhere else!"

The initiative was mounted by the town's business alliance and the Nuneaton branch of the Market Traders' Federation, with the full support of police and town centre beat bobbies, who also helped on the stall.

Only last Saturday, four women in

Nuneaton town centre had their purses or handbags stolen.

Mr Lancaster said: "At least half a dozen women who came to have the cat bells fitted said they'd recently had their purses stolen and they all said what a good idea it was."

Originally the plan was to target pensioners, but Mr Lancaster said: "There are a lot of young mums out there, with pushchairs and children in tow, who are just as vulnerable while they're out shopping.

"We fitted loads of bells to the purses of young mums as well."

embroidered patches

Mr Lancaster added: "We just want them to feel a little more secure.

"As far as we're concerned, any deterrent is good."

CAPTION(S):

DN10254_1. SOUND DETERRENT: Paul Lancaster fits a cat-bell onto a purse belonging to shopper Peggy Wilson. Picture: DARRYL SMITH