Stay safe – simple shopping tips for a safer Christmas

In the run-up to Christmas and the New Year, Llanelli’s shopping areas are becoming busier and busier with festive shoppers.

Sergeant Justin Evans from the Llanelli Neighbourhood PoliceTeam is asking for shoppers to stay alert and to be aware of their surroundings and possessions whilst they are out and about.

“There isn’t a specific problem with this type of crime in Llaneli at Christmas, but we do sometimes see a slight increase in the number of opportunist thefts of purses from handbags,” said Sgt Evans. “And indeed this Christmas is no exception with a few reported cases last week. So please follow some simple tips.

“For example, I would like to stress the importance of not carrying the PIN number to your cash and credit cards in your purse or wallet. If your purse or wallet is stolen, the thief may well have an opportunity to draw cash from your account before the card is cancelled. Money is hard enough to come by for us all – don’t make yourself an easy target for a thief.”

Sgt Evans also listed a number of simple crime prevention tips:

• Keep an eye on your bag and your wallet when out shopping. Keep your bag zipped or buttoned. This is very important.

• Keep your purse or wallet somewhere close to your body where you can feel it

• When you are taking money from a cash point protect your PIN whilst you tap it into cash machines or payment machines. Put your money away quickly and securely. Be vigilant.

• If you spot a thief or pickpocket alert security staff and/or police immediately

“Dyfed Powys is a really safe place with low crime, but during the fesive celebrations it can be easy to forget to take the sensible precautions we usually take,” said Sgt Evans. ” My team will be out on patrol during these busy times – please feel free to come and ask for any crime prevention advice when you see us, or log on to our website at www.dyfed-powys.police.uk .”