Christmas and New Year crime prevention advice

 With Christmas and New Year upon us, it is a good time now to remind ourselves of some simple steps we can take to make this festive season a safe and happy one, unspoiled by any criminal activity.

SALE, SALE, SALE - Don't be flash with your cash!

Crowded shopping centres are a magnet to pick pockets. If possible, try to do your shopping when it is less busy. Try to keep your wallet, purse and mobile phone hidden from view, preferably in the inside pockets of your clothing. The more you do to look after your belongings the greater likelihood there is of keeping them from being stolen. Don't give criminals the opportunity.

Be extra vigilant when using cash machines (ATM's). Don't get distracted whilst waiting for your money. Keep your personal identification number (PIN) concealed - don't let anyone see it. Put your cash immediately into your wallet or pocket. If you suspect that someone has tampered with the ATM - report it to the security staff.

Keep your shopping with you at all times. Do not advertise it to thieves by leaving them on display in your car - lock it in the boot. Make sure your presents reach the people they were intended for, not someone else.

Out and about

You will no doubt have started your preparations for Christmas and New Year's celebrations. Make sure you are aware of some simple crime prevention advice to help you to spend this festive season safely and happily.

When leaving your home lock all your doors and windows. If you are going out for the evening, leave the lights and your radio/TV on to give the impression that someone is home. This will help deter the opportunist burglar, saving you the potential distress.

When attending a Christmas or New Year's party, remember to tell a friend or a relative where you are going. Keep all your personal belongings safe. Don't give out your personal details to strangers. When returning home use licensed taxi operators. You can text "HOME" to 60835 and the telephone numbers of two local licensed minicab operators will be sent directly to your mobile, together with Taxi One details. Don't leave anything to chance.

If you are going away for Christmas and New Year, ask your neighbour to keep an eye on your home. Set timer switches for lights and radio/TV and don't forget to cancel your milk and newspaper deliveries. Lock up all your garden tools and furniture in your garden shed - make sure no one will be able to use your ladder to access your house when you are not there.

Personal safety - think before you drink!

Know your limits. Celebrate responsibly. Don't put yourself into a position where you are vulnerable. Think of your personal safety as well as the people around you.

Any amount of alcohol can affect one's ability to control behaviour, it slows down the reaction time and impairs competence in making decisions.

Remember that alcohol related incidents often affect more than one person.

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Make sure burglars do not spoil your Christmas preparations. Christmas gifts are seen as a very attractive catch by burglars. Stolen items often end up being offered to unsuspecting members of the public for a fraction of the normal price and the only person who loses out is you. If possible, try not to position your Christmas tree and gifts next to a window and dispose of gift boxes discreetly - do not advertise the contents of your home to burglars.

Be aware of bogus callers - the only business they are in is burglary.

If you notice any sort of suspicious behaviour in your area, contact your local police immediately.

Visit National Property Register www.immobilise.com and register your audiovisual equipment, jewellery, bikes and many other items for free.

Finally, Ealing Borough Police would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone who lives, works or visits Ealing Borough over this festive season a happy and safe Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Other Local News from Ealing

• Head of academy row school quits
• VIDEO: Inquiry call over Damilola killer
• Arrest after teenager strangled
• Damilola killer recalled to jail
• Tube travellers delayed by snow
• View All Latest News in Ealing