Criminals take the opportunities afforded them by the extra shopping we do, the hustle and bustle of town centres as we rush around and the value of the goods we buy as presents and store in our homes until the big day. We might also be more trusting and generous at Christmas when requests for charity are made, giving the unscrupulous a chance to collect for their own causes.
Out Shopping
When the shops are crowded, the pickpocket has more chance to steal from you. If you can't arrange to shop during less busy times, make sure you stay alert and be extra careful with your wallet or purse. Keep money close to you
r body and ensure your chequebook and guarantee card are separate. If you have too many bags you will be too busy trying to hold on to them to be aware of anyone stealing from you. Make smaller shopping trips rather than do it all at once and carry too much. The same applies to travelling on crowded buses or trains. If you travel by car, make sure you park in a well- lit area, lock all doors and windows and do not leave presents in view. Try not to return to your car to leave purchases in the boot before continuing with your shopping as thieves may well watch car parks for just such a chance. Arrange to collect heavy items from stores when you have finished all your shopping.
At Home
Having bought all those wonderful presents, don't make it easy for someone to steal from your home. Keep them out of sight until last thing on Christmas Eve and if you 'hide' or store larger items such as bicycles in the shed or outbuildings, make sure they are very secure. You may well find you need to check your insurance to make sure you are covered for the extra value of goods in your home. Take the frame numbers of new cycles and the serial numbers of new electrical equipment for future reference.
Remember, empty boxes left outside advertise that you have new goods inside - dispose of packing carefully.
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