How to protect yourself and your presents at Christmas

Criminals take the opportunities afforded them by the extra shopping we do, the hustle and bustle of town centres as we rush around, and the value of the goods we buy as presents and store in our homes until the big day. So what can we do?

The advice below is often common sense, but you might overlook it in your haste to get everything ready.

Out Shopping

• When the shops are crowded, the pickpocket has more chance to steal from you so make sure you stay alert and be extra careful with your purse/wallet.
• Have your purse/wallet close to your body and don't carry too much cash.
• Keep your chequebook and cheque card separately.
• Make sure you park your car in a well lit area, lock all doors and windows and do not leave presents in view.
• Try not to return to your car to leave purchases in the boot before continuing with your shopping trip, as thieves may well watch car parks.

At Home

• Keep presents out of sight until last thing on Christmas Eve and don’t store larger items, such as bicycles, in the shed or outbuildings.
• Take the frame numbers of new cycles and the serial numbers of new electrical equipment for future reference.
• You may well find you need to check your home contents insurance to make sure you are covered for the value of goods in your home.
• Remember, empty boxes left outside, near to rubbish bins advertises that you have new goods inside - dispose of packing carefully.

If you go out for the evening:

• Make it look like someone is at home by turning on lights and the radio.
• Don't leave curtains open so people can see your decorations, because potential thieves will also be able to see.

If you go away for the holiday period:

• Use an automatic timer for lights and ask a trusted neighbour to watch your home.
• Don't forget to cancel newspapers and milk.

Have a happy and crime-free Christmas holiday!