Police gear up for Festive season reminding residents to keep safe

With Christmas fast approaching Dyfed Powys Police launching its annual crime prevention campaign reminding people to enjoy themselves safely and lawfully this Christmas.

Dyfed Powys is a safe place with low crime, but during the festive celebrations it can be easy to forget to take the sensible precautions we usually take.

“Over the next few weeks we’ll be issuing common sense advice to the public on a range of practical measures they can take to minimise the risk of becoming a victim of crime this Christmas,” said Chief Constable Simon Prince. “One of the biggest causes of crime and anti-social behaviour at this time of the year can be people drinking too much alcohol.

“While the majority of people drink sensibly a minority don’t know when to stop. This can often lead to other problems such as anti-social behaviour and crime, and we’ll be reminding people to know their limits and be sensible.

“We’ll also take a firm stance against domestic abuse, rape and sexual assault as we do throughout the year. As usual, we’ll be working closely with a number of agencies to provide help and support to victims, and I would encourage those who suffer these horrendous crimes to come forward and report it to us so we can help them.

“Finally, expect to see your local officers out and about on the streets across the force. Officers will be increasing their patrols as a deterrent against anti-social behaviour and to offer reassurance.

“We want people to enjoy themselves safely and lawfully, and remain mindful of the dangers of excessive drinking at this time of year.”

Police and Crime Commissioner for the force Christopher Salmon hopes that people will embrace the sentiment of the campaign and look out for one another.

“I urge people to be good neighbours and to act responsibly,” he said. “Christmas can be a tricky time with so many of us taking a break from our everyday routines.

“The police are right to offer reassurance across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Powys in areas such as safe shopping, driving in wintry conditions, drinking safely and domestic abuse.

“When it comes to these and issues such as home security, personal safety and care for businesses the key message is one of common sense.”

For more top crime prevention tips this Christmas visit our website www.dyfed-powys.pnn.police.uk or follow us on twitter @DyfedPowys