‘Spoiling Christmas for criminals’ – that’s the aim of this year’s festive ‘Bah Humbug’ crime prevention campaign launched by Lancashire Police today.
The initiative will support the operational policing activity taking place across the county and will see officers out and about in town centres giving out free jingle bell purse alarms to attach to bags, so people can keep their valuables safe while out shopping for presents.
Car park signs have additionally been put up around the county to remind drivers to lock their vehicles and remove their valuables from view when shopping and on nights out.
Festive safety messages will also feature on the Constabulary’s Facebook, Twitter and website, and Christmas cards are being sent out to known criminals as a deterrent to would-be thieves.
The campaign will be complemented by a booklet being distributed to the public covering different types of crime, giving advice to householders, shoppers, revellers and motorists. 20,000 newsletters have also been distributed to residents, giving them hints and tips to have a safe and enjoyable Christmas.
Assistant Chief Constable Mark Bates said: “The countdown to Christmas has officially begun, with only 23 days now until the big day itself.
“We want people to be able to enjoy the festivities, while being sensible to prevent themselves becoming victims of crime. There are lots of simple things that the public can do to lessen their risk, which we will be telling them about on Facebook and Twitter.
“We are also making known criminals, such as previous burglars, know that they are on our radar, we will be keeping a close eye on them and we will arrest and charge those responsible for taking advantage of the opportunities to commit crime at this time of year.”
Lancashire residents are being urged to:
Keep your home and valuables safe
- Fit a burglar alarm and outside lighting.
- Ensure your windows and doors are locked.
- Keep presents out of view both at home and in your car.
- Don’t leave your set near your front door or on display.
- Mark your new valuable items with your postcode and note down make/model/serial numbers.
Keep your car and its contents safe
- Stay with your car whilst it is defrosting.
- Always lock doors and close windows.
- Keep valuables out of sight. Better yet, remove them from your car.
- Keep a shovel, torch, blanket, bottles of water, sturdy outdoor footwear and a charged mobile phone in your car in case you break down this Christmas.
Be safe on nights out
- Have a plan on how you will get home safely.
- Use a legitimate taxi company.
- Use busy, well-lit routes if you have to walk.
- Walk facing oncoming traffic.
- Have your keys ready as you approach your car.
- Park in well-lit areas.
Stay safe when shopping
- Keep your bag with you.
- Keep purses, wallets and mobiles in your inside pockets, out of view.
- Carry handbags across your body with the flap facing you.
Shop safe online
- Always use secure sites. Look for the padlock symbol.
- Always keep printouts of online documentation.
- Never disclose your bank or card details as proof of identity or age.
- Register your cards with Verified by Visa or MasterCard SecureCode when prompted.
- Log out when you have finished shopping.
• If you have a security concern, you can get advice from your local Neighbourhood Policing Team who can be found by typing in your postcode in the ‘My Area’ tab on www.lancashire.police.uk. To report a crime, please call Lancashire Police on 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency