Police have issued advice to help ensure people across Gedling borough have a crime-free Christmas as the festive season fast approaches.
PCSO Allan Cooke from Gedling’s Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “We’re working hard over Christmas to keep you and your family safe, but there are steps you can take to help us.”
The local police team issued the following advice to help avoid the Grinch from stealing your Christmas.
Christmas shopping
Police said people should stay alert and ‘be aware of what’s going on around you’.
They said: “Keep valuables in inside pockets of clothing or bags. Only carry the cash and cards that you need. Always shield the PIN pad when entering your PIN.
When parking they advised you should leave your car in an open, well-lit area and that people should avoid going back to their car to leave your shopping part-way through your trip.
The policing team advised: “If you have to keep presents in the car, make sure they are out of view in the boot, the car is locked, and keep the receipts with you.
To deter pickpockets and muggers, don’t overburden yourself with bags/packages.
Police warned: “Be extra careful with purses and wallets. Always carry a purse close to your body and not dangling by the straps. Put a wallet in an inside coat or front trouser pocket, likewise with your phone and keys.
Cash machines
Police said residents should alert the bank or call police if they see anything suspicious at cash machines.
The team reminded residnets to also be caustious when using the machines themselves.
“Shield the keypad when typing in your PIN at a cash machine or in a shop.Only withdraw as much as you need and avoid carrying large amounts of cash,” they said.
“Put your money and cards away – and not in your back pocket – safely before leaving the machine. Ideally pay with a debit/credit card wherever possible.”
Christmas party advice
“When you’re out for the eveningNEVER leave your things unattended.” warned the Gedling PCSO.
“Make sure someone knows where you are going and when you’ll be home
“Avoid walking home alone and never with someone you don’t know well.”
“Drink responsibly, arrange for a member of your group to be a designated driver, check your taxi driver’s ID and never get into an unlicensed taxi.”
Home
Police warned residents not to leave presents under their Christmas tree if they are visible from windows or doors.
Make sure you keep your doors and windows locked at all times.
Keys should always be kept out of sight and not left in doors or in view of windows.Make your house look occupied, use a timer switch to operate lamps as it starts to get dark, leave a radio on.Don’t open the door to anybody you don’t recognise. Not sure? Don’t open the door!After you have openedÂ
After you have opened your Christmas gifts…
Burglars and robbers know that many households have new and often expensive, items in their homes following the December holidays especially items such as new tech such as tablets or laptops, mobile phones, music systems, televisions, cameras and other electronic equipment.
Police said: “In many cases, residents make it easy for burglars to figure out which homes to target by putting boxes that identify their new gifts in plain view with their other rubbish.Â
“Avoid becoming an easy target for post-holiday burglars/robbers by not leaving boxes for new electronics and other items outside your wheelie bin.
“Break down any boxes you are throwing out and put them in rubbish bags and place them inside the wheelie bin.
They added: “With computer equipment, you might consider keeping the boxes for safe storage, shipping or moving in the future. Would they be useful as storage boxes?
Think about keeping broken-down boxes inside in a garage or loft.”
