Cheshire police give advice on how to avoid becoming a victim of crime this Christmas

Dec 8 2009 Chester Chronicle

AS CHRISTMAS approaches and thoughts turn to preparing for the festive season, Cheshire Police’s Crime Reduction Advisor is reminding residents not to let security slip during the fun.

For most of the winter, the number of house burglaries drop as more people tend to be home in the evening with the doors and windows firmly shut to keep out the cold.

However, over the Christmas period, potential thieves know most houses will have more expensive items inside in the form of presents. But, simple measure can help ensure you do not become the victim of crime this Christmas.

Tips from Cheshire police include:

Keeping doors and windows locked. This helps to keep out thieves, who try to sneak in to homes through unlocked doors to steal easily portable items such as lap tops and handbags or wallets.

Don’t leave the packaging for expensive Christmas gifts outside, waiting for the refuse collection. The packaging lets potential thieves know what items can be found in your house. Crush the packaging up and bag it or take it to your local recycling centre.

If you’re away for the night or for a few days, leave a light on or use a timer switch to turn lamps on and off while the house is empty.

If you are buying bikes for Christmas, make sure you buy good quality locks and use them. Don’t forget helmets, lights and high visibility clothing as well to complete the safety package.

Purse thieves tend to be active when the shops are busy and crowded. Make sure your shopping bag or hand bag is kept closed and zipped up to protect your purse.

Dave Owens, Crime Reduction Advisor for Cheshire Police’s Western Area said: “West Cheshire is a safe place to live and work but we are asking for residents’ help to keep it that way. None of these crime prevention ideas are difficult or expensive to do but can save you a lot of heartache and inconvenience by stopping you becoming a victim of crime.”

For crime prevention advice, contact your local Neighbourhood Policing Team. Call or email:

Northwich 0845 458 6392 or Northwich.npt@cheshire.pnn.police.uk

Winsford 0845 458 6391 or winsford.npt@cheshire.pnn.police.uk

Chester Inner (City centre) 0845 458 6384 or chester.inner.npt@cheshire.pnn.police.uk

Chester Outer 0845 458 6375 or chester.outer.npt@cheshire.pnn.police.uk

Ellesmere Port 0845 458 6373 or ellesmere.port.npt@cheshire.pnn.police.uk

Western Rural 0845 458 6393 or western.rural.npt@cheshire.pnn.police.uk