Happy Holidays!
Crack Down on
Christmas Crime
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LONDON, December 10, 2003:-- The
holiday season is a time when many people are away
visiting family and friends or simply getting some
winter sun. Unfortunately, burglars love Christmas as
much as we do. If you leave your home empty at
Christmas, it means you could be at greater risk of
being burgled. |
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Anti-crime Safety Tips from Across the Pond |
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At the same time leaving presents and
valuables in your car or presents visible under the Christmas
Tree makes your car or home a shop window for any opportunist
thief who comes along.
Burglary and car crime actually increase during the festive
period, so here there are a few suggestions to help you keep
the season jolly.
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Always remember
to lock everything away in the boot/trunk of your car.
Remember - it might not even be valuable, but does a thief
know that? TOP
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Mark expensive
presents, such as electronic equipment, with your postcode,
drivers license, homeowners insurance policy number or some
other identifying permanent mark by engraving or using a UV
pen. Ask your local crime prevention officer for latest
property advice for a range of different surfaces and
conditions.
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Consider
insuring valuables or taking photographs of them as this
will help identify anything that is stolen.
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Remember that
thieves will be on the look-out for presents - so don't
leave these under the Christmas Tree in view of the window.
Hide them somewhere safe until you need them (which makes
them more of a surprise too!)
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If you are at
home or you are away, remember to keep back doors locked and
use your window locks
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Keep an eye out
for the vulnerable and elderly people over Christmas. TOP
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Make sure you
use your door chain when you open your door to strangers,
and ask for identification - and check it.
The holiday season is a time when many
people area away visiting friends or family - or simply
getting some winter sun. Unfortunately, it is also a time when
burglaries increase. Here are some things you can do to make
your property safer while you are away:
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Tell your
neighbors of friends that you will be away and ask them to
look after your house. One useful thing they could do is to
make sure any newspapers or mail are pushed properly through
your letter box, and that deliveries are not left on your
doorstep.
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Tell your
Neighborhood Watch leader that you will be away and ask them
to keep an eye out for you.
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Buy some timers
for your lights, radio and TV so it looks like you're at
home.
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Cancel the milk
and papers while you are away
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Hide any
presents or valuables while you area way - most burglars are
looking for easy pickings. TOP
Enjoy your time away!
CHECKLIST
Here is a checklist that you could use to make your home safer
over the holiday period.
Have you:
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Told your Neighborhood Watch leader when
you will be away and informed him/her of anyone whom may be
caring for pets or plants while you are gone?
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Do you have your house keys with you
before you lock the door?
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Called your alarm company?
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Removed any keys hidden outside?
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Set timers for lights, TV and radio?
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Kept valuables and goods away from
windows and outside viewing?
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Locked your car in the garage?
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Cancelled the newspaper and milk
deliveries?
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Asked your neighbors to push your post
through the letterbox properly if applicable?
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Locked external doors, and window locks
on all opening windows and drawn any shades on windows that
are easy to see inside from the street?
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Locked your shed and locked away all
tools and ladders?
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Turned off your appliances and unplugged
all curling irons, coffee makers and other small appliances? TOP
With a few simple precautions, Happy
Holidays can be yours too!
Further information on
keeping your property safe over the holiday season is
available in The Happy Holidays Fact sheet (supported by
Kleeneze). Other fact sheets available in this series include
Bogus Callers, Home Security, Personal Safety and Good
Neighbour. For orders email
info@neighbourhoodwatch.net
Or go to
neighbourhoodwatch.net
to download fact sheets.
Source: National Neighbourhood Watch
Association, (England)
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