Christmas Crime Prevention

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.

It's 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.

If you have any information about people committing residential burglary, or you see something that just doesn’t look right contact the police.

·  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.

To report a crime or incident, provide information or for advice, call 101 or visit www.northants.police.uk.

In an emergency when there is a crime in progress or a life at risk always call 999.

You can provide confidential information should you wish to remain anonymous.

Calls can be made to the Independent Charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Security tips and crime prevention advice can be found on the Northamptonshire Police website and on the Neighbourhood Watch website. 

If you would like to contact your local policing team, search in the Your Area section of our website.