Mylander - Issue 85

29 From inside the community Essex Police Twelve tips for Christmas and after With Christmas rapidly approaching here are a few tips to help keep you safe at home, shopping, visiting (whilst Covid compliant), and after Christmas too: 1. If you must store Christmas food and drink, presents and other goodies within garages and outbuildings, ensure that they are out of sight and that it’s securely locked with good quality well fitted locks. Treat your shed to a shed alarm. 2. Avoid tempting window shopping burglars; don’t leave presents and valuables on full view in front of a window. 3. Ensure that your windows and doors are closed and locked before leaving the house (remember your face covering). Don’t attract burglars to your home by leaving it in darkness; leave lights on timers, perhaps treat yourself to a TV simulator too. 4. Lock gates to keep unwanted visitors from getting to the rear of your home. 5. Whether an evening out or Christmas shopping keep your bags, handbags, wallets and mobile safe. Busy places make it easier for the sneak thief, so be alert at all times. 6. Park safely; look for a Parkmark accredited car park www.parkmark.co.uk/car-park- finder Check that your car is locked before you leave it and don’t leave valuables and gifts on display in your car. 7. When you go to leave the house and find that your car is all iced up, don’t leave it unattended with the engine running to de-ice it. It only takes a second to steal your car and it would invalidate any insurance claim.