At home:
- Don’t advertise your gifts to burglars and leave presents in view of a window.
- Register valuable gifts for free at immobilise.com
- Think about how you dispose of packaging for expensive goods and don’t leave it on display outside of your property.
- Make your home look occupied wherever possible. Closing curtains and using timer switches for things like lights or a radio can help to deter opportunistic burglars as it gets darker earlier in the evening.
- Double check that any devices like alarms, security lighting, or video doorbells are in good working order.
- Ask a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on your home if you are away visiting family or friends. Make sure you cancel deliveries like milk and that parcels won’t be delivered outside your front door while you are away.
Many of us will be spending time Christmas shopping in busy shopping centres or visiting Christmas markets. Sadly, these can be exploited by criminals who see it as an opportunity to steal.
When Shopping:
- Before you go out, double-check that your home is secure and that all windows and doors are properly locked and secure with keys out of sight.
- Before you leave your car, ensure all windows and doors are closed and locked.
- Make sure your handbag is closed so a pickpocket would find it difficult to get into without you knowing.
- Never leave a bag unattended in a trolley, even if for a couple of seconds.
- Try to keep wallets in an inside pocket and out of sight from a potential pickpocket.
- Keep your PIN number confidential.
- When entering your PIN number at a terminal ensure no one can see you enter it.
- Try to pay for items on a debit card rather than carrying large amounts of cash. If this is not possible keep cash to a minimum.
- Avoid leaving your purchases and presents in your vehicle. If you must, make sure they are not on display, store in the boot, and make sure the car is locked.
- Wherever possible park in a secure car park or in a well-lit spot and make sure that your vehicle is locked.