Information on Loughborough

Top Tips to Ensure a Happy Christmas!

Posted on 20/12/2008

TOP tips to ensure Charnwood residents enjoy a happy Christmas are being distributed during a special festive campaign.

The Safer Christmas Campaign, run by the Charnwood Community Safety Partnership, aims to give out expert advice on how to avoid the types of crime that traditionally cause a problem at this time of year.

Throughout December, representatives from Charnwood Borough Councils Communities and Partnership Team, Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, Leicestershire Police and Neighbourhood Watch will be in Loughborough Town Centre handing out leaflets to make Christmas Safer.

They will be based in Market Street on Thursday, December 4, 11 and 18th between 10am and 3pm giving out advice on how to prevent thefts of Christmas presents from vehicles and homes during the festive period and ask people to check their smoke alarms during this busy period.

Information on how to keep money and vouchers safe while out shopping will also be available and the team will also be fitting purse alarms.

Cllr David Snartt, the Chairperson of the Charnwood Community Safety Partnership, said: "At this time of year, people are busy preparing for Christmas and they often forget basic safety advice so this campaign is designed to give them a gentle reminder.

"Christmas can be a thiefs paradise and the gifts that we all buy are a major attraction, along with the money and vouchers that we carry around.

"It is important that people are aware of the risks.

Police Officers and Police Community Support Offices (PCSOs) from a number of neighbourhood beats will also meet visitors in the town during the campaign.

PC Nathaniel Lockley, the Neighbourhood Beat Officer for Outwoods and Forest Road, said: "Police Officers and PCSOs from a selection of beats will be in Loughborough on Thursdays to make themselves available to people who come into town.

"Well be there to talk through any issues people may have and give out crime prevention advice which is particularly important in the run-up to Christmas so please come along and say hello.

The Partnership will be handing leaflets and the following safety advice across Charnwood and when in Loughborough on December 4, 11 and 18th:

Out shopping:

· Keep valuables out of sight;

· Keep your handbag shut and avoid carrying large amounts of cash

At home:

· Lock doors and windows and keep presents out of sight;

· Dont leave car keys or handbags near doors and windows

· If you are going away, use a timer to switch lights on and off

· Dont open the door to unexpected callers. Use a door chain and check them out first.

Your car:

· Keep presents and other valuables out of sight;

· Remove portable sat navs from your car and clean the windscreen of suction marks;

· Never leave keys in the ignition, even for a very short period of time;

· Try to park in a well lit or supervised car park.

Out and About:

· Make sure you dont drink so much that you leave yourself at risk;

· Drinking and driving dont mix! Nominate a driver if going out in a group or get a licensed taxi home;

· Make sure your drink isnt tampered with " dont leave your drink unattended.

After Christmas

· Make sure you dispose of the packaging of high-value goods carefully " it might encourage criminals to target your property.

To find out more, log on to www.charnwood.gov.uk/pages/charnwoodcommunitysafetypartners or call (Loughborough 01509) 634 901