How to Beat Crime this Christmas
PAGE 36 • FESTIVE NEWS • DECEMBER 2014
by Superintendent Sue Thomas
Christmas is a very busy time for most people and unfortunately it is no different for
criminals. The festive season offers an array of opportunities for crime, whether this is
burglars targeting houses full of Christmas goodies or people who don’t know how to behave
themselves after they’ve had a few drinks. While crime continues to fall year-on-year in
Herefordshire we always see a spike in certain types of crime over Christmas and I’m sure
this year will be no different.
Fortunately, there are some simple steps you
can take to reduce your chances of falling victim
to crime this Christmas.
One of the biggest mistakes people make at this
time of the year is putting their beautifully
decorated Christmas tree with presents under it
next to their window; this is an open invitation for
criminals. It might not seem very festive but try to
keep your presents away from prying eyes.
It’s also important to protect your presents once
they are open by security marking anything
valuable and disposing of boxes and rubbish
discreetly. Leaving empty boxes outside your
house only advertises the new valuables available
to burglars inside.
If you’re out over Christmas don’t let burglars
know that your house is empty. A well lit home
gives the impression someone is in; consider
using a timer switch to turn your lights on and off
if you are going away for a few days.
Personal safety is equally important over
Christmas. People tend to carry more cash when
they are out present shopping so it is important
you take extra care to secure your personal
belongings and be aware of your surroundings.
It’s just as important to take care of yourself if
you are on a night out. Make sure you plan your
WIN VIP TICKETS
Hereford hosts the 2015 Three Choirs Music Festival which will be celebrating its 300th anniversary
and Festive News readers have the chance to be VIP guests. For every £5 donated to Hereford in Bloom
to help fund the flower planting scheme, the donor will receive an entry into a competition to win a
pair of tickets for either the opening or closing concert at the Three Choirs Festival plus
dinner for two at the Castle House Hotel., and if the winner lives within 10 mile of the city a
limousine to take them to the cathedral.
Donations, payable to Hereford in Bloom, should be sent to: The Treasurer, Hereford in Bloom,
35 Harold Street, Hereford, HR1 2QU. The winner will be announced in June 2015.
QUIZ WINNER WINS BIKE
City woman Dia Gammond was on a roll the
journey home and if you’re using a taxi, make night she went along to Hereford Lion Club’s
sure it’s registered. If you are walking home, try monthly pub quiz at The Bay Horse. Not only
to walk home with friends, stick to well lit and was Di a member of the winning team, but also
busy streets, and make sure someone knows the
route you are taking.
I’d like to finish by highlighting the dedication
and commitment shown by my officers and staff
in Herefordshire over the past year. It has been a
challenging couple of years for police forces
across the country as they are required to deliver
significant cost savings while ensuring they
deliver the same high standards of policing.
Despite these challenges, crime continues to fall
in Herefordshire and this is testament to all their
hard work.
With crime traditionally going up over
Christmas it is a very busy time for officers and
police staff and many of them won’t spend as
much time with their families as they would like.
I’m sure you will join me in thanking them for
their ongoing commitment to keeping our
communities safe and protecting people from
harm.
From everyone at West Mercia
Police have a happy and safe
Christmas.
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