Don’t be complacent this Christmas
As Christmas fast approaches and the nights draw in, Warwickshire County Council’s Community Safety Team is reminding people to be security conscious in the run up to the festive season.
Town Centres are getting increasingly busier and shoppers are more distracted looking for last minute Christmas presents, while opportunist thieves are preparing to catch victims unaware.
So it’s worth noting a few useful tips to help ensure a hassle-free experience.
When leaving the house:
* Close windows and lock doors – in one in three burglaries nationally, thieves didn’t have to force entry in to a home, residents simply left doors and windows open
* Make it look like you are in – use automatic timer switches to control lights and a radio when you’re not in to convince a burglar that someone is home
* Arm your alarm – if you have a burglar alarm, set it even if you are only out for a few minutes
Securing your vehicle:
* Don’t leave items on show – Thieves may wander round looking for valuables left on seats and can simply smash a window to steal something
* Lock your motor – even if you only leave your vehicle for a short time
* Ensure keys are out of sight – don’t leave keys in unattended coat pockets and be aware about dropping keys in to handbags or briefcases - they may still be visible
While shopping:
* Keep wallets and purses safe – keep them close to your body in an inside pocket or closed handbag
* Never carry anything indicating your pin number – it is also important to carry chequebooks and guarantee cards separately
* Don’t carry around large amounts of cash – use cards or cash points regularly instead
Cllr Richard Hobbs, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Protection, said: “Warwickshire is one of the safest counties to lives in but it is easy to get carried away by hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping, and not think about your personal belongings or your home security.
“By simply taking a few small precautions it will help you have a fairly hassle-free shopping experience. “
The risk of becoming a victim is small – but if your valuables do get stolen, it is worth calling the bank or building society straight away to cancel cards and call Warwickshire Police on 01926 415000.