WHILE OUT SHOPPING:

When the shops are crowed the thief that wants your purse or wallets have more chances to observe you and your money and takes the opportunity to steal it from you. If you can’t arrange to shop during less busy times, make sure you stay alert and be extra careful with your wallet or purse. If you have too many bags you will be too busy trying to hold on to these items and not be aware of anyone stealing from you. You could try to make smaller shopping trips rather than doing it all at once and carrying a load of parcels. Have your purse or wallet close to your body and don’t carry too much cash. The same applies to traveling on crowded buses or trains. If you travel by car, make sure you park in a well-lit area, lock all doors and windows and do not leave presents in view. Lock them in the trunk-"out of sight, there is no crime. Try not to return to your car to leave purchases in the boot before continuing with your shopping trip as thieves may well watch car parks for such a chance. In this case drive your car to another parking spot and return to the task of shopping. Arrange to collect heavy items from stores when you have finished all your shopping. Keep your chequebook and debit/credit cards separately. Incase your cards have been skimmed during the past few months, head to the bank and change your password. That will greatly help you in not having your identity stolen at Christmas.

AT HOME:

Having bought all those wonderful presents, don’t make it easy for someone to steal from your home. Keep them out of sight until last thing on Christmas Eve and if you "hide" or store larger items such as bicycles in the shed or outbuildings, make sure they are very secure. Now is a good time to check that you know what you have both normally (TV, Video etc.) and with the extra presents you have bought. Record the serial numbers of new purchases. You may well find you need to check your insurance to make sure you are covered for the value of goods in your home. Remember, empty boxes left outside advertise that you have new goods inside – dispose of packing carefully.

If you go out for the evening – make it look like someone is at home by turning on lights and the radio. Don’t leave curtains open so people can see your decorations as potential thieves can see in. Be extra careful about locking doors and windows. As a fire precaution, don’t leave Christmas lights on in the house while you are out. Change the batteries and vacuum the smoke detectors incase of a fire. If you go away for the holiday period – use an automatic timer for lights and ask a trusted neighbour to watch your home. Don’t forget to cancel newspapers if you have them delivered and or have your neighbour take your mail into their house – unopened Christmas cards and mail are a sure sign that a house is empty. Strangers at the door – genuine delivery personnel usually have uniforms and delivery vehicles and should not need to come into your home. Charity collectors will have identification and will not be offended if you ask to see it. If you are not sure but want to make a donation, ask whether these can be made in other ways, perhaps through a bank.

OUT ON THE TOWN:

With office parties and general Christmas celebrations, pubs, restaurants and other venues are often crowded. Don’t leave bags over the back of your chair and keep wallets and purses close to your body to make it more difficult for the criminals. Busy places make it easier for the sneaky thief, so be alert at all times. Make prior arrangements as to how you will get home. Book a taxicab ahead of time or have a designated driver. Remember the legal limit for being considered impaired by alcohol is over .08 and the consequences are devastating when your arrested or cause a serious injury to someone and even death on the highways. DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE! Avoid any potential disturbances on the street. Stay with friends if you can. Make sure someone knows where your going and what time you will be back. Don’t drink too much-you could become a target for thieves.

The Christmas Season is about family, friends, faith and above all for everyone to be safe from harm. On behalf of the Halton Regional Police Service and myself, I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Earl Fletcher