Seasonal Security - Christmas

The police in conjunction with the Vale Royal Community Safety Partnership are asking for support in reducing the number of thefts in the run-up to Christmas.

Although the majority of us will be entering the season of goodwill, we all need to remind ourselves that there are a small number of unscrupulous people just waiting for a seasonal opportunity to steal absolutely anything they can lay their hands on.

Because many of us will have other things on our minds and are easily distracted, we can unknowingly create the sort of opportunity that thieves thrive on.

The simple truth is that most offences of theft wouldn’t happen if we were just a little more cautious.

Here are a few tips as to things that we can all be doing to make sure thieves have a thoroughly miserable Christmas:

Your Home

Always lock doors and windows
If you have a reliable alarm, use it
Don’t leave keys in locks
Don’t leave car keys on view, even through your letterbox
Lock your garage, preferably with your car in it
Lock your garden shed and keep valuable property out of sight
Leave lights on if you are out
Avoid leaving presents on display
If your going away, have a neighbour look after your house
Beware of bogus callers
If you see or hear anything unusual, phone 999 straight away

Your Car

Use car parks only where you feel safe
Avoid parking in secluded places
Use car parks that are well lit and preferably covered by CCTV
Lock doors and windows
Don’t leave any property on display. No matter how much it's worth it'll go!
Never leave shopping, particularly presents on display
Use your boot by all means, but make sure that you are not being watched
If you have a reliable alarm or immobiliser, use it
If your alarm goes off, would you recognise its sound
Never leave your car unattended, insecure or with keys in the ignition
Remember, if you have a garage, use it

The Police have accommodation available throughout the festive period and at all other time of the year for thieves! So if you see anyone acting suspiciously, or hear anything out of the ordinary please ring us immediately on ‘999’ and give thieves a Christmas to remember”!

Ladies if you go out clubbing whatch out that your drink isn't spiked. Drugs that can be used are colourless, odourless and tasteless - watch your drink.