Release Date: 12/12/2012

Keep safe this Christmas

Residents in Richmond upon Thames are being reminded to protect themselves from becoming victims of petty crime this Christmas by being aware of the most common mistakes people make over the festive period.

Richmond Council’s Community Safety Partnership have launched their ‘Rhyme for the Festive Time’ campaign to ensure local people know what presents they should take extra care to security mark, insure or keep hidden until Christmas morning.

The rhyme reminds residents of the most popular items that get stolen around Christmas and are especially hard to trace. First on the list is money, followed by jewellery and bicycles, all of which can easily be taken by thieves and which can be very difficult to reunite with owners when they are discovered by the Police, if they are not properly protected.

Cllr Pamela Fleming, Cabinet Member for Community, Business and Culture said, “Christmas is the busiest time of the year for many people and while the majority are buying presents to give to their loved ones, others are eyeing up opportunities to take what doesn’t belong to them. People tend to drop their guard and forget that they need to take responsibility for protecting their homes so that Christmas morning is not ruined because a thief has broken in and cleared out all their presents.

“Christmas should be a happy and worry free time, so I would like to remind people to think carefully about what can be seen through windows or what packages they leave outside, as leaving empty TV boxes is advertising to thieves that there are new valuable goods inside.

Richmond’s Borough Commander, Clive Chalk from Richmond upon Thames Police, added “Burglars and thieves know that the run up to Christmas can present rich pickings. You can help to prevent your home from being a target by following a few simple guidelines. For example, if you are going away, put your lights on a timer so it looks as though someone is home, also make sure your gifts are placed out of sight; lock all doors and windows and report any suspicious activity in your area. These simple steps will help ensure that this Borough and your home remains the safest in London during the festive period.”

For more advice contact the community safety partnership team on 020 8891 7777.