Staffordshire Police

Put the freeze on festive thieves

Police in Staffordshire are launching a crime prevention drive to keep you and your property safe this Christmas.

People are being advised to follow simple crime prevention tips to avoid presenting opportunist thieves with free gifts during the festive season.

The advice is given as part of Operation Impact – the force’s Christmas crackdown on theft and burglary.

In your car:

• remove your sat nav and cradle from your car and wipe away the tell tale suction marks from your windscreen
• don’t advertise what you’ve bought by leaving shopping on view. Every car has a boot - so use it
• never leave your vehicle unattended with the keys in the ignition.

At home:

• keep doors and windows securely locked, even when you are in, and if you’re ‘just popping out’
• keep presents out of view. Nets, curtains or blinds can be used to block prying eyes
• take packaging of expensive items to the council recycling facility rather than leaving them out for refuse collectors to avoid advertising you have a new TV, bike or other new products.

Out and about:

• keep wallets, purses and phones safe and out of sight
• always shield your PIN from prying eyes.

Ch Supt Bernie O’Reilly, city local policing commander, said: "This campaign focuses minds on simple advice to stay safe throughout the celebrations.

"We’d urge residents and visitors alike to heed the guidance and enjoy all the festivities in safety."

Anyone who has information about crime in their area should call Staffordshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.