Festive Season Tips
This time of the year is always busy – with parties to attend, presents to buy, and goodwill to be shared. To help make sure that your festive season is one to remember for all the right reasons, the Safer Vincent Crime Prevention Partnership provide the following tips for you and your family over the Christmas break:
Out and About
Enjoy the Christmas festivities but keep it safe when partying
- where possible travel in a group or with a friend
- walk in well-lit areas
- always let someone know where you are going and when you will be back
- avoid taking shortcuts through deserted areas
- when using public transport, sit near the driver or other passengers
- don’t street drink or litter
- alcohol can affect your judgement – ‘stay alert’ and don’t leave your drink unattended
- respect your neighbours and don’t make too much noise when returning to your vehicle/home late at night
Property and Valuables
Make sure the gifts you buy for family and friends don’t wind up in thieves’ hands
- don’t carry large amounts of cash
- be vigilant in busy shopping areas – keep an eye on your wallet/purse/handbag, don’t leave valuables unattended in shopping trolleys
- don’t send cash or gift vouchers in Christmas cards
- if you are expecting parcels to be delivered, arrange for delivery when you know someone will be home, tell the sender not to leave the goods on doorsteps etc
- secure your doors and windows at home
- don’t display presents under the tree near windows/doors
- mark all valuables with identification including new bicycles, power tools and jewellery
- those ‘cheap’ goods that you might be offered could well be stolen goods – don’t buy crime
Vehicles
- don’t leave valuables in vehicles – keep presents out of sight
- never leave small children or pets in cars
- remember to lock the doors and wind up the windows (and take the keys with you)
- park in well-lit and populated areas
- be considerate with parking especially in areas where parking is limited
- don’t block people’s driveways etc
- take care in shopping centre car parks – handbags left in trolleys while you load the boot are easy prey
- don’t drink and drive – the limit is 0.05%
- be patient and courteous on the roads
Home
If you are going away
- see if a trusted friend or family member can house-sit
- get a neighbour to keep an eye on your home/car/boat and put your bin out
- stop deliveries (papers, milk, post)
- set timers and alarms
- secure your car keys in the house (60% of stolen cars are the result of home burglaries)
- be a good neighbour – keep and eye on their home and property, take the time to wish your neighbours well (the season can be lonely for many)
And always report suspicious behaviour and crime to Police.