Dyfed Powys Police is warning Christmas shoppers to shop safely whether buying gifts online or out in busy town centres.
As part of Operation Safe and Nice to All (SANTA) police have put together top tips on how to shop safely.
When out and about shopping, it is important to be aware of people around you and to keep purses, wallets and other valuables safe.
When shopping online, the key is to use legitimate websites and to be cautious where you enter personal and financial details. Dyfed Powys Police has on its website (www.dyfed-powys.police.uk) 12 top tips on how to avoid being duped while shopping online.
Shoplifters are also warned that in shopping centres throughout Dyfed Powys Steal and Be Banned policies are in place, whereby anyone caught stealing from a participating store can be banned from stores.
Superintendent Chris Curtis, Head of Neighbourhood Development for Dyfed Powys Police, said: “Cases of theft are few and far between but we’re reminding shoppers to take extra care. The shops are very busy in our towns at this time of year and everyone is in a hurry. Also people need to be up to speed with stringent security measures when shopping online. By following our Op Santa safety tips for shopping people will be able to prevent themselves from being targeted by thieves and fraudsters.”
Operation Santa Safer Shopping Tips:
- Keep your bag close to your body, never leave unattended on a trolley
- Keep your purse deep inside your bag, not on the top
- Never keep your wallet in your back pocket
- If you take Christmas shopping back to the car, lock it away in the boot
- Shield your PIN when taking money out from a cash point machine
- Be vigilant
Online Shopping Tips:
- Shop only with online retailers you know about or research them first to ensure they are reputable and reliable
- Make sure your credit card details will be encrypted securely before being sent across the internet and never give out passwords.
- Follow our online shopping guide via our website www.dyfed-powys.police.uk.
Post-shopping Tip:
- Register your valuables and Christmas presents using sites such as immobilise.com. This gives you more chance of items being recovered by police if stolen.
For more top crime prevention tips this Christmas visit their website www.dyfed-powys.police.uk or follow #OpSanta on twitter @DyfedPowys.
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