Top tips for staying safe and secure this Christmas

In this week’s newsletter, I’m handing over to two of Dorset Police’s experts on crime prevention and acquisitive crime for some advice on how to keep ourselves safe this Christmas. Thanks to Detective Superintendent Steve May for introducing the top tips from Crime Prevention and Design Advisor Claire Davis.

This Christmas we want to urge the residents of Dorset take some simple prevention measures to make it harder for thieves and other offenders. While Dorset is one of the safest places in the country to live, we must remember to look after ourselves and our possessions throughout the festive period as we often see an increase in theft and burglary throughout this time of year. Across the nation, police are seeing increases in the levels of reported theft, which includes home burglary, thefts of vehicles and break-ins to sheds and garages. I would urge you to please remember that the gifts you are looking forward to giving and receiving are equally as attractive to thieves and they can be on the lookout for opportunities to take them away and ruin your Christmas. Crime prevention is often down to small and sensible measures that we can all take to make sure that Christmas remains a time of celebration and good cheer. Whether it’s making sure your car is locked and secure or keeping that box from the present you’ve just wrapped out of sight until bin day, there’s plenty of simple prevention measures you can take to ensure you don’t become a victim of crime, not just this Christmas, but throughout the year.

At home:
Keeping doors and windows locked is key. At this time of year, we know that historically incidences of burglaries do rise, and we would urge people to adhere to basic security measures at the very least. This can be simple things such as locking doors and windows, even when you’re inside, being vigilant, keeping gardens cut back so you have good visibility so that you, and others are able to maintain good natural surveillance of your property.

Around Christmas, keep your wrapped presents out of sight, don’t put boxes for big items in your recycling bin until day of collection and be careful about what you’re leaving outside the front of your home. Always make sure you’ve locked your car as well. We’ve all rushed inside, hands full of bags, or dealing with children and forgotten, but it’s a simple thing to prevent theft.

Don’t forget your sheds and garages either. Lock your bikes and other valuable items up inside, especially if they are Christmas presents – nobody wants those tears on Christmas Day. Shed locks and alarms are also good deterrents. I would recommend people take a look at either the Dorset Police website or the Secured by Design page and the Sold Secure - Security Products. This will give you some really good tips – but also a chance to view the ‘Police Preferred’ products we would recommend, ranging from vehicle security to rural crime prevention products. 

Out and about:

It’s not just at Christmas we need to follow this advice, but it’s well worth remembering for the festive season, when we tend to venture out more. It’s a sociable time and this means a lot of celebrating and parties, but we still want people to stay safe. We would urge people to plan ahead and organise a taxi or safe lift home before you go out. It is also important to look out for each other and tell a friend or family of your plans. Be alert and aware and keep your drink with you. Download the Hollie Guard app or take a personal attack alarm with you and ensure your phone is fully charged or you have a power bank for recharging. The Suzy Lamplugh Trust has some excellent advice as well, not just about personal safety while out but on topics including lone working and advice for safety at home too.”

Thanks to Claire and Steve for their valuable advice. I am committed to driving down crime and ensuring Dorset is the safest county, and we can all play our part in achieving this. Through small but key measures, we can hopefully have a happy, safe, and secure Christmas.

David Sidwick

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner