Don't let thieves steal your Christmas

Most police forces in the UK have been running their annual ‘Don’t let thieves steal your Christmas’ campaigns, including our friends in Cumbria Constabulary who provide the following tips on their campaign news page (I’ve added a couple of links):

Keep your valuables safe

• Keep wallets, purses, mobile phones and iPods out of sight and bags secure, especially in crowded places
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash, and be vigilant when drawing money from ATMs
• Keep your PIN number safe, do not disclose to anyone or carry with your card

Keep your car safe

• Park in a busy, well lit area or secure ‘Safer Car Park’ if possible
• Close windows, sunroof, lock doors & activate security alarms when leaving your car
• Do not leave valuables or shopping on display in your car
• Take valuables with you when you leave your car, eg: cash, credit cards, mobile phones, sat nav systems etc
• If you have no choice, make sure valuables and shopping are locked in the boot; taking care no-one is watching you
• On cold days, don’t leave your car unattended with the engine running while it warms up

Keep your home safe

• Keep gifts, cash & valuables safe and well hidden so they can’t be seen or reached by thieves
• Lock doors & windows before you go out
• Leave a light on in a room & draw curtains when you go out at night
• Postcode your valuables with a UV pen (But see other methods too)
• Cancel newspapers, milk etc when you go on holiday and see our checklist
• Look out for your neighbours’ property
• Make sure callers to your home are genuine, always ask for ID

Sound advice as usual from Cumbria Police and very much needed as we approach the big day.

Source Cumbria Police: http://www.cumbria.police.uk/news/campaigns/dont-let-thieves-steal-your-christmas

Find your Safer Car Park: http://www.parkmark.co.uk/