Stay Safe and Secure this Christmas

The police are working hard over Christmas to keep you and your family safe, but there are steps you can take to help them.

When you’re out shopping

• Stay alert and be aware of what’s going on around you, especially in busy shops and crowded streets where thieves and pickpockets may well be operating.
• Keep valuables in inside pockets of clothing or bags. Keep a close watch on them, and try not to keep them all in one place.
• Only carry the cash and cards that you need. Always shield the PIN pad when entering your PIN.
• Be careful where you park your car, especially if you will be returning to it after dark. If parking in a multi-storey car park, choose a well-lit space as close to the exit as possible and away from pillars. Reverse into position.
• Avoid going back to your car to leave your shopping part-way through your trip. If you have to keep presents in the car, make sure they are out of view in the boot, the car is locked, and keep the receipts with you.
• Deter pickpockets and muggers. Don’t overburden yourself with bags/packages. Be extra careful with purses and wallets. Always carry a purse close to your body and not dangling by the straps. Put a wallet in an inside coat or front trouser pocket, likewise with your phone and keys.
• Try and avoid taking young children into busy shopping areas. If it is unavoidable make sure they know what to do if they lose you e.g. tell the nearest counter assistant that they are lost and never leave a shop without you. Agree a meeting point with older children, in case you get separated.
• Never leave your bag unattended on your trolley whilst shopping and don’t leave it in your vehicle when returning your trolley.
• Keep car doors locked whilst driving in built-up areas, especially if you’ve got bags or presents in the car.

 At cash machines

• Shield the keypad when typing in your PIN at a cash machine or in a shop.
• Only withdraw as much as you need and avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Put your money and cards away safely before leaving the machine. Ideally pay with a debit/credit card wherever possible.

 At home

• Don’t leave presents under your Christmas tree if they are visible from windows or doors.
• Never keep large amounts of cash at home.
• Make sure you keep your doors and windows locked at all times.
• Keys should always be kept out of sight and not left in doors or in view of windows.
• Make your house look occupied, use a timer switch to operate lamps as it starts to get dark, leave a radio on.
• Don’t open the door to anybody you don’t recognise. Not sure? Don’t open the door!

 After you have opened your Christmas gifts

Burglars know that many households have new and often expensive, items in their homes following the December holidays especially tablets, laptops, mobile phones or other electronic equipment. In many cases, residents make it easy for burglars to figure out which homes to target by putting boxes that identify their new gifts in plain view with their other rubbish.

• Avoid leaving boxes for new electronics and other items outside your wheelie bin.
• Break down any boxes you are throwing out and put them in rubbish bags and place them inside the wheelie bin.
• Think about keeping broken-down boxes inside in a garage or loft.