TIPS: Don't let Christmas be merry for thieves

A campaign has been launched by Maidenhead's PCSOs in a bid to fight burglary and car crime over Christmas.

The week-long effort, which began yesterday and runs until Sunday, will see the officers and Royal Borough community wardens carry out high visibility patrols in particular areas as well as issue advice about how to avoid becoming a thief's victim.
  
PCSO Andrew Hitchcock, leading the campaign with colleagues PCSO Amy Shah and PCSO Steph Lewis, said: "We cannot emphasise enough the importance of removing valuables from your car and securing your property when you are not in or away on holiday.

“Many thieves are opportunist and will try and steal any items they see on display or break into a house they think is insecure. However, by taking a few simple precautions you could be avoiding becoming a victim. Remember that offenders are trying to fund their own Christmas, so don’t make it easy for them.”

Vehicle security tips:

• Remove all items of value from your vehicle when you park.
• Lock doors and close windows.
• Park in a safe place, which should be well-lit and preferably with CCTV.
• Keep your keys safe at home.
• Erase sat nav cradle marks from your windscreen.

Home security tips:

• Trim overgrown trees and hedges that might obscure lighting or hide a burglar from your neighbours or passers by.
• If you are going to be out all day, set indoor lamps on timer switches to come on at dusk to give the impression that someone is at home.
• Consider joining or starting up a neighbourhood watch scheme in your road (contact your local Neighbourhood Watch office via 0845 8 505 505 for more details).
• ‘Postcode’ your electrical goods, such as DVD players and computers, with an ultra violet pen or permanent marker, and make an inventory of these items including brand names and serial numbers. You can also register all mobile equipment such as cameras and iPods on the national database, www.immobilise.com. The police have access to this database, allowing stolen items to be returned to their owners.
• Ensure all your external windows and locks are secure, and fit additional locks where necessary.
• Consider installing motion sensor lighting outside external doors.

If you would like further crime prevention advice, contact your local neighbourhood officers on 0845 8 505 505, or visit the Thames Valley Police website at www.thamesvalley.police.uk