Mylander - Issue 89

From inside the community Essex Police With Christmas rapidly approaching here are a few seasonal tips to help keep you safe at home, shopping, visiting, and after Christmas too: • If you need to store Christmas food and drink, presents and other goodies within garages and outbuildings, ensure what you are storing is out of sight and that the building is securely locked with good quality well fitted locks. Treat your shed to a shed alarm. • Avoid tempting window shopping burglars; don’t leave presents and valuables on full view in front of a window. Having parcels delivered, when you may be out, make sure that you make suitable secure delivery arrangements to reduce the risk of theft. • Whenever leaving the house always ensure that your windows and doors are closed and locked (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. • Lock gates to keep unwanted visitors from getting to the rear of your home. • 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. • Park safely; look for a Parkmark accredited car park by clicking HERE . Check that your car is locked before you leave it and don’t leave valuables and gifts on display in your car. • 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. 23