Police In Hereford Issue Christmas Crime Prevention Reminder

As the festive season draws ever nearer, Temporary Detective Chief Inspector Andy Hughes has once again reminded residents of Herefordshire to ensure they take the necessary precautions to avoid being a victim of crime this Christmas.

While criminality across the county remains low when compared to many other parts of the country, T/DCI Andy Hughes wants local people to continue to make life difficult for the potential offenders that are out there. He explains:

"As I said earlier this month, unfortunately, whilst most people are looking to relax and enjoy themselves, potential offenders will be out and about looking for the opportunity to carry out crimes. They will be looking for vulnerable homes and vehicles to target and it is vital that you take as many precautions as possible to make life difficult for them."

To protect you home, precautions that local residents can take to ensure that their Christmas is a happy and memorable one include the following:

• Never leave presents in sight of a doorway or window - this is an open advertisement to potential burglars. Try not to put them under your tree until the last moment - "If you leave it on show, expect it to go!"

• Use timer switches for lights and radios when out celebrating (gives the impression someone is home), close curtains.
• Property mark all your new electrical and valuable gifts.
• If you are going away for the festive season, let your neighbours know or consider joining a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme.
• If you have a house alarm, ensure it works.

And then, when Christmas is over, police advise that people do not leave the boxes from valuable gifts outside by the bin waiting for collection.

T/DCI Hughes continued: "We believe it is far safer to take your empty boxes to your nearest household recycling centre as this helps ensure that potential thieves do not know the type of goods that you have in your home."

Police in Hereford would also like to remind people about simple precautions they can take to avoid making their Christmas shopping trip more stressful than is necessary.

Therefore, when you go shopping this year please keep the following tips in mind:

• Do not leave bags of presents in your car. Thieves target car parks, particularly in the lead up to Christmas. If you do have to leave items in your car, make sure they are out of sight in the boot. Remember, "If you leave it on show, expect it to go!" look around, is anyone watching you!
• If you have a satellite navigation system, make sure you remove it before embarking on your shopping. They are a particular favourite with thieves and after all, you wouldn't leave £300 on your dashboard would you! Wipe sucker marks from windscreen.
• Park in a safe, well-lit area. If you have an immobiliser or alarm - use it. Make sure your doors, windows and sunroof are secure.
• Whilst shopping in busy environments be aware of your surroundings, keep bags zipped up and wallets and other valuables out of sight in pockets if you can!

"We are confident that the vast majority of people will have a thoroughly enjoyable Christmas but are issuing this reminder to ensure that people do all they can to secure their property," said T/DCI Hughes.

"Crimes such as burglary are unusual but it is important that we work with the public to help them look after themselves.

"The more precautions people take, the harder it will be for thieves to disrupt the lives of law abiding residents in the county. We are all desperate for the people of Herefordshire to have as happy and fruitful Christmas as is possible and by taking note of our simple crime prevention advice we are confident that the majority of people will be able to enjoy just that."

Issued: Wednesday 21 December, 2011