Christmas Safety Guide

CHRISTMAS SAFETY GUIDE

Resident

All you need to know to keep safe at Christmas

KEEP YOUR HOME SECURE

Securely lock all doors and windows, before going out or going to bed.

Use a timer device to switch lights on after dark. Don't put presents under the tree until the last possible moment

and close curtains so your gifts can not be seen from the street.

Mark your postcode on new presents with a UV Pen.  

so if its ever stolen, You’re more likely to get it back. After Christmas, remove any trace of expensive girt packaging by taking discarded boxes to the tip or recycling centre.

Keeping your car safe

Check your fob has done its job, don’t assume your vehicle is secure, always check doors and windows are locked before you walk away. Remove valuables such as sat nav’s, Mp3 players, laptops, tablets, clothing and any loose change before leaving your vehicle. Wipe away tell-tale suction marks from your window screen- this may alert a thief to your sat nav being hidden inside the vehicle. Don’t advertise what you have brought by leaving gifts on show while you return to the shops. Lock everything away in the boot, Take shopping inside immediately when you get home.

Freeze out car thieves

Don’t leave your vehicle unattended and the engine running while defrosting your window screen. A thief could drive off with it. Stay with you vehicle and if your in a rush, use de-icing spray and a scraper to speed up the process. Sit inside your vehicle while the heater de-mists the windscreen. Claims on insurance polices can be affected if the vehicle owner is deemed partly responsible for the theft.

LOVE YOUR PHONE

Be discreet, keep your phone and other valuables out of sight in public. Note down the unique IMEI Number, you will need this number to report a stolen phone. Key *#06# into your mobile device to display this number on screen. Listen to your instincts – Know your route, avoid dark places and if you don’t feel safe, move to a busier area. Trace lost or stolen phones by activating the in-built tracker app or by downloading a reputable one from the app store.

Beat the pickpockets

Keep handbags closed and close to you, and wallets out of back pockets. Try not to overload yourself with bags and coats. Don’t leave pushchairs, shopping bags or trolleys unattended. Take personal belongings with you into changing rooms. Be discreet when handling cash and cards at the till and at cash machines. Put them away immediately and keep an eye on who is around.

Socialise safely

Pubs, restaurants and other venues will be crowed, so don’t hang bags over the back of your chair and keep wallets and purses close to your body. Have fun but drink sensibly, binge drinking and excessive drinking and excessive drinking at home before a night out puts you at risk of crime. Never leave drinks unattended or accept them from strangers. Find out the times of the last tram, train or bus home, or pre-book a taxi from your local licensed operator. Never drive under the influence of drink or drugs.