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I wanted to provide you with an update regarding burglary, which people around your area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the priority survey. 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.
 While we will continue to pursue burglars in the area, there are steps you can do to help keep your property safe. Make sure that you: Double lock your door every time you leave the house If you can, move garden furniture or bins away from windows so that thieves cannot use them to gain access. Use laminated glass or security film on ground floor and accessible windows. Use a sash stop if you have sash windows to prevent people opening them enough to climb through. If your windows open outwards, use a key operated lock – check these are locked before leaving the house. Make sure all valuables are out of sight. Keep handbags and keys away from letterboxes or cat flaps. In the evening shut the curtains and leave lights on. Set your burglar alarm Lock your shed or garage Mark, register or record your valuables.
Please go to our website to find the latest advice and guidance on keeping yourself safe. If you ever experience this issue or have information regarding an incident, please report it using our online reporting tools at https://www.met.police.uk/, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101. Get Involved Please consider getting involved and contribute to the local priority survey, we may be unaware of issues that you would like us to focus on. Take a few minutes to securely and privately register and have your say using the button below, this will mean we can focus on things that matter to you. 
Please click here to complete the survey
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