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Crack Down on Christmas Crime

The holiday season is a time when many people are away visiting family and friends or simply getting some winter sun. Unfortunately, burglars love Christmas as much as we do. If you leave your home empty at Christmas, it means you could be at greater risk of being burgled.

At the same time leaving presents and valuables in your car or presents visible under the Christmas Tree makes your car or home a shop window for any opportunist thief who comes along.

Burglary and car crimes actually increase during the festive period, so here there are a few suggestions from the Neighbourhood Watch Association to help you keep the season jolly.

• Always remember to lock everything away in the boot of your car. Remember - it might not even be valuable, but does a thief know that?
• Mark expensive presents, such as electronic equipment, with your postcode by engraving or using a UV pen. Ask your local crime prevention officer for latest property advice for a range of different surfaces and conditions.
• Consider insuring valuables or taking photographs of them as this will help identify anything that is stolen.
• Remember that thieves will be on the lookout for presents - so don't leave these under the Christmas Tree in view of the window. Hide them somewhere safe until you need them (which makes them more of a surprise too!)
• If you are at home or you are away, remember to keep back doors locked and use your window locks.
• Keep an eye out for the vulnerable and elderly people over Christmas.
• Make sure you use your door chain when you open your door to strangers, and ask for identification - and check it.

The holiday season is a time when many people area away visiting friends or family - or simply getting some winter sun. Unfortunately, it is also a time when burglaries increase. Here are some things you can do to make your property safer while you are away:

• Tell your neighbours of friends that you will be away and ask them to look after your house. One useful thing they could do is to make sure any newspapers or mail are pushed properly through your letterbox, and that deliveries are not left on your doorstep.
• Tell your Neighbourhood Watch scheme that you will be away and ask them to keep an eye out for you.
• Buy some timers for your lights, radio and TV so it looks like you're at home.
• Cancel the milk and papers while you are away.
• Hide any presents or valuables while you are away - most burglars are looking for easy pickings.
• Lock away all your tools and lock the garden shed.
• Enjoy your time away!

Further information on keeping your property safe over the holiday season is available in The Happy Holidays Fact sheet (supported by Kleeneze). Order from +44 (0)20 7963 0160 or email info:neighbourhoodwatch.net or go to www.neighbourhoodwatch.net.