Staying safe this summer
As the summer holiday season approaches, a county council service is helping residents make the most of their breaks by taking small steps to safeguard themselves and their belongings.
Warwickshire Community Safety Team is offering some practical advice to holidaymakers to apply when preparing to go away, during their journeys, and at their destinations. This information is available at http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/communitysafety.
Top things to remember before leaving include, making your home look occupied by putting lights on timers and cancelling milk and paper deliveries, leaving important documents and valuables with family members, and locking outside doors, windows and setting alarms.
Whilst travelling the team advises, keeping all valuables in hand luggage, using an extra padlock on bags and not leaving suitcases or belongings unattended at airports or during travelling.
Once travellers have reached their destination the team have some further tips to help ensure safety, warning people to be extra vigilant in new surroundings. They suggest keeping passports, sterling and foreign currency in separate places, only carrying what is necessary and making sure jewellery and valuables are out of sight and keeping bags close-by and fastened to reduce the danger of pick-pocketing.
Warwickshire County Councillor Richard Hobbs, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety said: “Becoming a victim of crime during a holiday can be incredibly distressing and spoil what should be a relaxing break.
“The website advice helps people to minimise the risks of theft and damage to their property and belongings whilst away on holiday to offer extra piece of mind to residents.”
Kate Nash Head of Community Safety said: “Many people may have heard this advice before but we want to remind them of these important messages to help them to stay extra safe and make the most of the holidays. By following this advice residents should be reassured to know that they have taken precautions to safeguard themselves against theft.”
For more information about Warwickshire community safety initiatives or for further advice about keeping safe and protecting yourself please visit http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/communitysafety