With Christmas rapidly approaching here are a few seasonal tips to help keep you safe at home, shopping, visiting, and after Christmas too:
1. If you need to store Christmas food and drink, presents and other goodies within garages and outbuildings, ensure what you are storing is out of sight and that the building is securely locked with good quality well fitted locks. Treat your shed to a shed alarm.
2. Avoid tempting window shopping burglars; don’t leave presents and valuables on full view in front of a window. Having parcels delivered, may be out, make sure that you make suitable secure delivery arrangements to reduce the risk of theft.
3. Whenever leaving the house always ensure that your windows and doors are closed and locked (remember your face covering). Don’t attract burglars to your home by leaving it in darkness; leave lights on timers, perhaps treat yourself to a TV simulator too.
4. Lock gates to keep unwanted visitors from getting to the rear of your home.
5. When you go to leave the house and find that your car is all iced up, don’t leave it unattended with the engine running to de-ice it. It only takes a second to steal your car and it would invalidate any insurance claim.
6. Park safely; look for a Parkmark accredited car park www.parkmark.co.uk/car-park-finder Check that your car is locked before you leave it and don’t leave valuables and gifts on display in your car.
7. Whether an evening out or Christmas shopping keep your bags, handbags, wallets and mobile safe. Busy places make it easier for the sneak thief, so be alert at all times.
8. A Christmas get together – make sure that you have considered how you are getting home in advance and avoid using unlicensed taxis. Ensure you drink responsible, social distance and are aware of your surroundings, whilst keeping your drink and belongings safe.
www.suzylamplugh.org/Pages/FAQs/Category/personal-safety
9. Watch what you put on social media; check your settings to ensure that you are not broadcasting when you are not at home and the lovely gifts you may have received.
10. After Christmas don’t advertise your nice gifts to the thieves by putting the empty boxes out for collection, disguise them, fold them up inside out or put them inside another non-descript box.
11. Record your new property free on www.immobilise.com install tracking and security apps on relevant electrical and computer products.
12. Have a Great Christmas and New Year!!
For further crime prevention advice contact Bexley Borough Neighbourhood Watch Association at bexleynw@outlook.com
What is a wildlife crime?
- Poaching
- Coursing.
- persecution of badgers, birds, and bats.
- egg theft and collection.
- collection of or trade in protected species and animal products.
- not registering animals which require a licence.
- taking protected plants.
- use of poisons, snares, or explosives, to kill or injure animals.
- animal cruelty.
- hunting with dogs.
- introducing invasive species.
- killing or capturing, damaging, or destroying the habitat of any protected animal.
Report it: If you think a wildlife crime is being committed then contact Bexley Police, lets protect our wildlife and the green spaces we have left.
With thanks to Colin Freeman Brentwood NW Member.
Summary:
Christmas Safety Tips
Christmas is a time for celebration and joy, but it's also important to be safe. Here are a few tips to help you stay safe at home, while shopping, visiting, and after Christmas:
Home
- Secure your home and outbuildings. Make sure all windows and doors are locked, and that any valuables are out of sight. Consider installing a shed alarm.
- Don't leave presents on display in front of windows. If you're having parcels delivered, make sure someone is home to receive them.
- Use timers to turn on lights when you're away, so that your home doesn't look empty.
- Lock gates to keep unwanted visitors from getting to the rear of your home.
Shopping
- Be aware of your surroundings and keep your bags and belongings close to you.
- Don't carry large amounts of cash.
- Park safely and don't leave valuables in your car.
Visiting
- If you're visiting friends or family, let them know when you expect to arrive and depart.
- If you're staying overnight, make sure you know where the exits are and how to use the fire extinguishers.
- Be careful about drinking too much alcohol.
After Christmas
- Don't advertise your new gifts to thieves by leaving empty boxes outside. Disguise them by folding them up or putting them inside another box.
- Consider recording your new property on Immobilise.com and installing tracking and security apps on relevant electrical and computer products.
Wildlife crime
Wildlife crime is a serious problem, and it's important to be aware of it. If you see a wildlife crime being committed, report it to Bexley Police.
Conclusion
By following these tips, you can help to keep yourself and your loved ones safe during the Christmas season.