Bromley Council is offering residents free bells for their purses and wallets to deter pickpockets.

Shoppers can pick up their anti-theft attachments at High Street charity shops, which alert them to any attempts to nab their valuables.

Supplied by the Safer Bromley Partnership, the bells are free at till points in Bromley, Beckenham and Orpington.

Customers picking one up are encouraged to make a small donation to charity.

Councillor Kate Lymer Executive Councillor for Public Protection and Enforcement said: “It’s easy to become distracted when browsing for shopping.

"That’s why the Safer Bromley Partnership aims to keep customers safe and is issuing free bells for purses and wallets to raise awareness.”