Information on Loughborough

Shoppers in Loughborough offered Christmas crime prevention advice

Posted on 09/12/2009

police,constabulary,leicestershire police Shoppers in Loughborough offered Christmas crime prevention advice

Free property marking pens, purse alarms and crime and fire prevention advice is being offered to Loughborough shoppers in the run up to Christmas. 

As part of this year’s Safer Christmas Campaign a stand will be set up between 10am and 3pm in Thursdays in the Market Place. 

The initiative, which has been organised by Charnwood Community Safety Partnership, will focus on the types of crime that traditionally cause a problem at this time of year. 

Information from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, Leicestershire Constabulary, Charnwood Borough Council’s Communities and Partnership Team and Neighbourhood Watch will be available at the stand which will also be found in the Market place on Thursdays December 10th, 17th and on Christmas Eve. 

Issues that will be highlighted include thefts - especially those of Christmas presents - from motor vehicles and houses, as well as thefts from purses and handbags. The purse alarms will be available to the over 60s.  The partnership has developed an information leaflet about keeping safe over the Christmas period which they will be handing out, as well as fitting purse alarms.  

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

"Christmas can be a thief's paradise and the gifts that we all buy are a major attraction, along with the vouchers and money that we carry around. It is important that people are aware of the risks. 

Inspector Tim McCabe, Commander of Loughborough Local Policing Unit, said: “Adopting a few simple crime prevention measures can make a big difference at this time of year.  

“If you are out shopping please keep your purse and wallet out of sight and protect your PIN whenever you use a cash point machine or when you’re paying at a shop till.  Please don’t leave your shopping on display in your car as it only takes a thief a few minutes to smash a window and take your purchases.  

“If you are in town on market days it’s worth taking a few moments to pick up some crime prevention advice because it will hopefully help you have a safe, happy and crime free Christmas.”  

As part of the campaign, the partnership has also issued the following safety advice: 

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
  • Don’t leave car keys or handbags nears doors and windows
  • If you are going away, use a timer to switch lights on and off
  • Don’t 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 don’t drink so much that you leave yourself at risk
  • Drinking and driving don’t mix - nominate a driver if going out in a group or get a licensed taxi home
  • Make sure your drink isn’t tampered with—don’t 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