Dear Residents,

As we approach Christmas Day and the New Year, we would like to extend our warmest wishes to you and your loved ones for a very Happy Christmas, holidays and a prosperous New Year!

This is a special time of year - one filled with celebration, connection and goodwill. While enjoying the festivities and holidays, we kindly ask everyone to take a few simple pre-cautions to help keep our community, homes and belongings safe during this period. 

We're sharing some detailed but simple steps to help keep you and your loved ones, your home and personal belongings safe and secure.

Looking out for each other 

  Visit and check on neighbours and local residents, this is a great time to speak to them especially if you've not heard from them in a while or if they might be vulnerable or spending the holidays alone.

  Offer to help with small tasks such as collecting post or bins if someone is away.

  Report anything unusual - your awareness plays a vital role in keeping our community safe.

Keeping your home secure

  Please avoid leaving gifts on display such as windows or entrances

  Lock doors and windows, even if you stepping out briefly

  Dispose of packaging carefully to avoid drawing attention to new purchases 

  If travelling or staying away from home, ask a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on your property or collect post/deliveries. Don't forget to update delivery Apps and websites if that's the case. 

Managing parcel deliveries 

  Track deliveries closely and plan for someone (such as a trusted neighbour) to receive them if you are not home.

  Avoid leaving delivery notes visible on doors.

  Consider using secure parcel boxes, lockers, local collection points or shops for delivery.

Festive fire and safety awareness

  Take extra care with decorations, wrapping paper and Christmas trees. 

  Keep exits clear and avoid overloading electrical sockets

  Ensure Christmas/Festive lights are in good condition and switched off before bedtime or leaving home.

  Never leave candles, fireplaces or cooking unattended - especially around young children.

Staying safe while shopping in person or online

  Monitor bank statements extra carefully during the festive period 

  When shopping online, stick to reputable or trusted/verified retailers.

  Use strong passwords for online accounts, and avoid clicking links from unexpected emails or suspicious looking messages 

  Avoid carrying large amounts of cash, use contactless or card payments where possible.

  Be mindful when using mobile phones in public - especially near entrances/poor visibility areas or crowded spaces, staying alert reduces risk 

  Keep handbags or pouches zipped and personal belongings close, particularly in crowded areas or not so well lit places. 

There have been a lot of vehicle breaks in recently in FOREST GATE so please take care in protecting your vehicle by

  Never leave shopping bags, gifts or valuables inside your vehicle - even for a short time 

  Never leave your vehicle unattended, even if it's for a brief moment as all it takes is a few seconds for a not so obvious opportunist to take advantage. 

  Park in well-lit, busy areas or close to CCTV where possible.

  Take a moment to check that your vehicle is locked and secured before walking away.

  Consider installing a car alarm or fitting in a vehicle tracker

  Remove sat-navs, mobile car plays, removable electronic devices and items that may indicate valuables are stored inside. 

Thank you for your continued co-operation and for helping make our community a safer and welcoming place for everyone. Please do share this website to local residents in Forest Gate.

The MetEngage website is open to ALL London residents to register with their local policing team so don't forget to share with others!

Warmest Regards,

Forest Gate North Safer Neighbourhood Police Team