Christmas Crime Prevention Advice Christmas is a busy time of year for everyone, including the criminal. We know, however, that a high percentage of crime is opportunistic, and can be prevented by taking some simple precautions. Don’t let the criminal enjoy Christmas at your expense. Top tips for a crime free Christmas Your car - Don’t leave presents in full view on the back seat when out shopping. These can be tempting to thieves. Lock them away out of sight in the boot.
- Always lock your car and make sure windows are closed, even if you’re away from your vehicle for just a few minutes. Use a steering lock if possible.
- Never leave your keys in the ignition whilst your vehicle is unattended, even for a few minutes. Opportunistic thieves will often steal cars that have been left with the engine running to defrost the windows.
- Don’t leave any valuables in the glove compartment. Take bank cards, mobile phones and satellite navigation systems with you. These items are on a car thieves’ shopping list.
- Make sure you park in a well lit area or in an attended car park.
Your home - Keep doors and windows locked at all times, even when you are in the house.
- Keep presents out of sight. Large piles of gift wrapped goodies under the tree that are visible through a door or window are tempting to thieves.
- Don’t leave empty boxes on display outside. Discarded packaging advertises all the new goods you have indoors.
- Don’t leave car keys and handbags lying around on display.
- Make it look like someone is at home when you’re going out for the evening. Leave lights on and close the curtains. If you have a burglar alarm, set it.
- If you’re going on holiday over the festive period, ask a friend, relative or neighbour to keep an eye on your house.
Your property - Make sure all valuable property is marked. You can either postcode mark your property with an ultra violet pen,
- Register bike frame numbers, mobile phone IMEI numbers and other identifying details on Immobilise, the free, national property registration scheme.
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