Make sure Santa is the only intruder this Christmas

Make sure Santa is the only intruder this Christmas

The countdown to Christmas has begun, so police are reminding people not to ‘present’ opportunities to criminals and keep their homes and valuables secure by following some simple crime prevention tips.

During December thieves often target homes, knowing they may be stuffed with gifts and other goodies.

This is a busy time of year for everyone, especially criminals. They know that homes, may be full of gifts and will be on the lookout for opportunities to steal them. Don’t make things easy for them - keep your home secure and keep valuable items out of sight.

Make sure you keep all your gifts in a secure place – don’t leave them in the shed or garage, or on view near windows or doors.

Lock up when you leave – make sure all windows and doors are securely locked when you leave the house or go up to bed.

Leaving boxes and packaging of expensive items by your bins will alert burglars that your home is full of valuables.

Consider installing a doorbell camera, internal camera and/or monitored burglar alarm.

Install ‘dusk to dawn’ external lighting and use timer switches in your home to control internal lights, radios and a simulated TV.

Keep keys and valuables secure and out of sight.

Ensure boundary fences are secure with side gates locked. Keep tools and ladders in a locked shed.

Secure bins at night and put garden furniture away for the winter as these can be used by burglars as climbing aids to gain access to upper floor windows.

For more advice visit at: www.herts.police.uk/crimeprevention.

You can also report information on burglary or suspicious activity in your neighbourhood online at herts.police.uk/report, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat at herts.police.uk/contact or call the non-emergency number 101.

Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.

Join our community messaging platform Herts Connected at hertsconnected.co.uk and select ‘police’ when you sign up to receive free local messages. You can also choose to hear from other agencies.

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Message Sent By
Alessandro Peduto
(Hertfordshire Constabulary, Supervisor PCSO, St Albans - Harpenden & Rural)