Crime Prevention Advice - Pickpocketing

Crime Prevention Advice - Pickpocketing

Good Morning Resident,

Enjoying a coffee, meeting friends for lunch or working from a café?

When you're relaxing or concentrating on something else, it can be easy to forget about the belongings around you. Keeping your valuables close and in view can help reduce opportunities for theft.

👀 Keep It Where You Can See It

Try to keep your bag, phone, laptop and other valuables within sight and reach.

Avoid placing bags behind your chair or somewhere you cannot easily see them. If your attention is elsewhere, you may not immediately notice someone interfering with your belongings.

👜 Be Mindful of Where You Put Your Bag

Think carefully about where you place your bag when you sit down.

🎒 Keep bags zipped or securely closed.

🪑 Avoid leaving them hanging unattended on the back of a chair.

👁️ Position them where you can keep an eye on them.

📱 Keep phones, wallets and other valuables secure when not in use.

💻 Stepping Away? Take It With You

Only leaving your table for a moment? Whether you're ordering at the counter, visiting the facilities or speaking to someone nearby, don't leave laptops, phones or other valuables unattended.

Take them with you or leave them with someone you know and trust.

📱 Don't Make It Easy for Opportunistic Thieves

Phones, laptops, tablets and headphones can be particularly tempting if they're left unattended or easily accessible.

When you're finished using an item, put it somewhere secure rather than leaving it on the table or out of view.

🔐 Secure Your Devices

Protect your phone, laptop and tablet with appropriate security, such as a PIN, password or biometric lock.

Make sure important information is regularly backed up and consider familiarising yourself with the security and location features available on your devices.

🤝 Look Out for Each Other

If you're visiting a café or restaurant with friends, family or colleagues, help one another keep an eye on belongings.

If you notice suspicious behaviour, make venue staff aware and report concerns where appropriate.

🚨 If a Theft Is Taking Place

If a crime is happening now and urgent police assistance is required, call 999.

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