Have a Safe and Happy Christmas

At Christmas, criminals can often take the opportunity of our houses being full of presents to increase their criminal activity. By following a few simple rules you can reduce your risk of becoming a victim of these opportunist criminals.
Be Safe out Christmas Shopping
· When out shopping in crowed areas beware of pickpockets. Make sure your purse or wallet is secure. Don’t carry too much cash on you. You can always get more out.
· Be careful when using cash machines. Be aware of who is around, don’t count your cash in view of other people and put the money in a safe place.
· If travelling by car make sure you park in a well lit area, lock all doors and windows and don’t leave valuables on display.
· Do not carry too many presents at once, buy what you can sensibly carry. If your hands are full you are more vulnerable. If returning to your car, make sure you put the items in the boot.
· When returning to your car, have your keys in your hand ready so you are able to get into the car quickly.
Be safe at Home
· Do not leave presents and valuables out on display. Put your presents out as late as possible on Christmas Eve.
· Make sure your house is secure when you go out and when you go to bed.
· If you are storing presents such as bikes in outside sheds, make sure the shed is secure
· Make notes of the serial numbers of bikes and electrical goods such as computers.
· Double check your household insurance covers the extra goods in the property.
· Remember on Christmas Day, after all the presents have been opened, empty boxes left outside advertise that you have new goods inside. Dispose of your packaging carefully.