Christmas Security – Protect your Presents

‘Don’t give thieves an early Christmas present.’ That is the message from Carmarthenshire Police Neighbourhood Development Team in collaboration with Carmarthenshire Community Safety Partnership when people go about their Christmas shopping and start wrapping presents ready for December 25.

As the festive season is now well underway, people are encouraged to keep in mind a few simple tips to avoid becoming a victim of crime this Christmas.

While household burglary and thefts from vehicles remain low across the force area, it is important that any would-be offenders are not given opportunities to commit crime.

Christmas trees should be out of sight and away from street frontage windows if at all possible and presents not left on display. Store presents secure and out of site until the last possible moment.ic and other valuable gifts should be property marked and, if people are going away for the festive season, they should let their neighbours know. Consider signing up to the immobiliser website listing your property. There is currently a campaign in Carmarthenshire encouraging this practice. www.immobilise.com

Timer switches and lights should be used when out celebrating to give the impression that somebody is home and also remember to close curtains.

“The more precautions the public take, the harder it will be for the opportunist thief to spoil the Christmas and New Year celebrations of our law-abiding public,” said Police Sergeant Darren Moore, who is promoting Dyfed Powys Police’s annual Christmas campaign 2014.”While the overwhelming people are looking to relax and enjoy themselves this Christmas, a minority will be looking for vulnerable properties and vehicles to target. “But just a few simple changes can significantly reduce your chance of becoming the victim of crime and keep your Christmas enjoyable.”

While out Christmas shopping don’t leave anything in unattended vehicles if possible and keep shopping with you until you return to your car.

But if that is not possible, always lock items securely in the boot and park in a busy, well-lit area. Never leave items on show on seats or in the foot wells of vehicles as this is an open invitation to thieves.

Never leave wrapped Christmas presents in an unattended vehicle.

Once Christmas is over, if possible take any boxes from valuable gifts to your nearest household waste sight rather than leaving them outside for roadside bin collection so as not to advertise new purchases to potential thieves.

Council executive board member for community safety Cllr Pam Palmer said: “I would urge everyone to follow these straightforward precautions to avoid having Christmas spoiled by becoming a victim of crime.”