The festive season is fast approaching! For many of us—especially Mums, Dads, and Grandparents—this means diving headfirst into the whirlwind of Christmas bazaars, school plays, last-minute shopping, and bracing for the onset of the school holidays. It's easy to reach the big day feeling a potent combination of exhaustion, depleted bank balances, and the seasonal outbreak of 'Christmasitis.'
We all look forward to the joy Christmas brings, hoping that the presents we've bought will actually work (and that Santa remembered to pack those essential batteries!).
Sadly, in our materialistic society, the true meaning of Christmas often gets lost or obscured. While we acknowledge the pressures from media and retailers, it’s important to remember the deep meaning this time holds for believers worldwide.
A Time for Community and Preparedness
Christmas offers an ideal opportunity for organisations to promote their good work. This includes Bexley Neighbourhood Watch (Bexley NW) and all its dedicated volunteers—the street coordinators and committee members.
It’s also a timely reminder for all of us to be well-prepared for Christmas and the New Year. Make sure you have a good supply of food and warm clothing in case the bad weather makes an unwelcome return. As good, caring citizens, we should always be ready to help others in need of support in your community, especially at this time of year.
🛡️ Be Cyber Aware: Combatting Festive Fraud
“With a sharp rise in fraud reporting at Christmas time it is more important than ever that people do everything they can to protect themselves from fraudsters stopping them from enjoying the holiday season at the expense of others.”
Action Fraud has provided key tips for protecting yourself from becoming a victim of shopping fraud this Christmas:
Think Before You Buy
Bargains: If something seems too good to be true, it likely is. It's probably poor quality, fake, or doesn't exist.
Emails/Texts: Never click on unsolicited emails or text messages. Criminals are skilled at making these look like they come from a legitimate business.
Tickets & Travel: Always buy tickets from official sources and never pay by direct transfer. If booking a holiday, research it thoroughly and check it's registered with ABTA and ATOL.
Payments: When buying on auction sites, use secure methods like PayPal. Never transfer money directly to someone you don’t know.
Wi-Fi: Secure Wi-Fi is vital for your privacy. Check that the network you're using is secure before making any financial transactions.
Keep Your Purchases Secure
Software: Ensure your anti-virus software, operating systems, and other security measures are up to date on all your electronic devices.
Passwords: Create strong passwords that are unique for each account. A great tip is to use three random words for a memorable yet secure password.
For more information and tips on how to protect yourself online, visit the Moneywise hub in partnership with Cyber Aware – Stay secure online: How to be Cyber Aware - and see Cyberaware.gov.uk.
If you think you've been a victim of fraud, contact your financial provider immediately, and notify Action Fraud via its website or by calling 0300 123 2040.
🏡 Seasonal Safety Tips for Home & Away
With Christmas rapidly approaching, here are a few seasonal tips to help keep you safe at home, shopping, visiting, and after Christmas too:
Home Security
Storage: If storing food, drink, or presents in garages and outbuildings, ensure they are out of sight and that the building is securely locked with good quality, well-fitted locks.
Visibility: Avoid tempting window shopping burglars; don't leave presents and valuables on full view in front of a window.
Deliveries: If having parcels delivered, make sure you arrange a suitable secure delivery location to reduce the risk of theft.
When Leaving: Always ensure that your windows and doors are closed and locked. Don’t attract burglars by leaving your home in darkness; use lights on timers, or even treat yourself to a TV simulator.
Rear Access: Lock back gates to keep unwanted visitors from accessing the rear of your home.
Car Safety
De-Icing: Never leave your car unattended with the engine running to de-ice it. It takes seconds to steal, and it will invalidate any insurance claim.
Parking: Park safely; look for a Parkmark accredited car park (find one at www.parkmark.co.uk/car-park-finder).
Valuables: Check your car is locked before you leave it and don’t leave valuables and gifts on display in your car.
Out & About
Personal Belongings: Whether you're enjoying an evening out or Christmas shopping, keep your bags, wallets, and mobile safe. Busy places make it easier for the sneak thief, so be alert at all times.
Christmas Get-Togethers: Consider how you are getting home in advance and avoid using unlicensed taxis. Ensure you drink responsibly, social distance, and are aware of your surroundings while keeping your drink and belongings safe. (See more personal safety tips at www.suzylamplugh.org/Pages/FAQs/Category/personal-safety).
Post-Christmas
Social Media: Watch what you put on social media; check your settings to ensure you are not broadcasting when you are not at home and the lovely gifts you may have received.
Packaging: Don’t advertise your nice gifts to thieves by putting the empty boxes out for collection. Disguise them, fold them up inside out, or put them inside another non-descript box.
New Property: Record your new property free on
www.immobilise.com . Install tracking and security apps on relevant electrical and computer products.
Wishing you all a Great Christmas and New Year!!
For further crime prevention advice, including useful resources and guidance on reporting incidents, see our Bexley NW-Blog at
You can also check out our recent post on security tips: Visit
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