Thieves are in for a surprise next time they try to pinch a purse from a woman’s bag in north Oxfordshire — bells are likely to start ringing.

After a spate of purse thefts across the area, Thames Valley Police’s crime prevention team is planning to ring the changes.

They said more and more elderly women had been targeted by thieves in Bicester and Banbury.

Between September last year and this February there were 55 thefts reported to the police across the district.

In a bid to curb the problem officers will hand out special purse bells in both towns.

The bells can be attached to a purse and if someone tries to steal it, the bells will jangle and alert the owner.

Crime reduction adviser Jayne Taylor said: “It’s important that all members of the public know that there are thieves who come into busy towns on the lookout for the opportunity to steal purses and wallets. We should all be vigilant about the security of our valuables when we are out and about.

“People need to keep hold of their purses and wallets and, in the case of handbags, ensure they are secure and never left unattended.

“Unfortunately, elderly ladies are a particular target for this type of theft, especially if they have taken their hands and eyes off their handbag.

“This is why we’re issuing purse bells to help them keep their valuables secure.”

Neighbourhood policing teams for Banbury and Bicester will be giving out the bells outside Lloyds Pharmacy, in Sheep Street, Bicester, on Thursday, from 9am and 1pm, and in Banbury town centre on Friday.

Meanwhile, a Bicester grandmother is urging a purse thief to give back photographs of her grandchildren and a list of telephone numbers stolen along with £200.

Irene Macpherson was shopping in Tesco, Pingle Drive, on Monday, March 2, when her purse was taken from her bag.

She said: “I want my baby photos back. Please just leave the photos and phone numbers where they could be found and handed back to me. They’re irreplaceable and every phone number I possess I kept in that purse.”