Did you know?• In 2015, three in every 100 households were

victims of domestic burglary in the UK

• 65% of burglaries occur between 6am and 6pm with the majority taking place between 10am and 3pm

• It can take less than five minutes for a burglary to take place

• Almost 30% of burglars enter a home through an unlocked door or window

• Most burglaries are committed by opportunists who don’t watch properties before they enter

• It can take as little as ten seconds for a thief to steal something from your car

• Thieves sometimes use wires and hooks to drag your keys through your letterbox

Try to remain vigilant during the festive season and keep your home, self and property safe. If you see anything suspicious please report it using the contact details over leaf.

If you aren’t already a member of Neighbourhood Watch, then please consider joining. The online messaging service allows you to receive text, email or phone alerts of any suspicious activity, scams or criminal behaviour happening in your local area. To sign up please visit www.owl.co.uk/herts

Who to contact:Hertfordshire Constabulary non-emergency number 101

Use it:

• To speak to a police officer or member of police staff

• For a general police enquiry, advice and information

• To report an incident or crime that has happened

Or in an emergency always dial 999

An emergency is when:

• There is a risk of injury to someone or a risk of serious damage to property

• You suspect a crime is in progress

• There is a serious incident which needs immediate police attendance

www.herts.police.uk

Useful contactsHertsmere Community Safety Partnership 020 8207 7801 www.hertsmere.gov.uk/csp

Crime Stoppers 0800 555 111 www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Domestic Abuse Helpline 08 088 088 088 www.hertsdomesticabusehelpline.org

Victim Support 0300 303 0165 www.victimsupport.org.uk

Hertfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner 01707 806100 www.hertscommissioner.org

HERTSMERE COMMUNITYSAFETY PARTNERSHIP

C S P

ChristmasSafety Menu

Don’t let the criminal enjoy Christmas at YOUR expense! Hertsmere Community

Safety Partnership wants to help you enjoy this time of year safely and responsibly.

Starter Main Course DessertCar-rot soup

Don’t leave presents or any valuables in full view in

your car when Christmas shopping, lock them away out of sight in the boot

*****

Never leave your keys in the ignition whilst your vehicle is unattended. Opportunistic thieves will

often steal cars that have been left with the engine running to defrost the windows

*****

Make sure you park in a well-lit area or in an attended car park. The nights are darker and

longer, giving criminals an easier environment to commit crime

Your home and all its trimmingsAs simple as it is, keep all doors and windows locked when you leave your home or go to bed

*****

Keep presents out of sight, large piles of gifts under the tree that are visible through a window or door are

tempting to thieves

*****

Don’t leave empty boxes on display outside. Discarded packaging advertises the new goods you have indoors

*****

Make it look like someone is at home when you are going out for the evening. Leave lights on and close curtains. If

you have a burglar alarm, set it

*****

Test your fire alarm once a week

*****

Check your Christmas decorations and lights for electrical faults and never place candles near your Christmas tree or

furnishings

Homemade property puddingMake sure all your valuable property is marked. You can use an ultra

violet pen to mark your property with your post code and house number and register it at www.immobilise.com

*****Keep your bicycles locked up and secure during the winter

*****Never carry large amounts of cash and keep your card PINs strictly

confidential *****

Never leave spare keys in the vicinity of your home, for example under a plant pot or mat – this is the first place burglars will look!

*****Lock your shed and ensure all equipment and gardening items are

locked away or secured whilst they are not in use Never leave your house or car keys near your front or back door

during the night, take them to bed with you or keep them out of sight

A sober thoughtDON’T drink and drive for any reason. Ring a taxi or arrange a lift beforehand

*****Always drink responsibly, don’t leave your drinks unattended and

know your limits*****

However tempting it may be to walk back from parties at night, try to avoid walking alone. Make your personal safety a priority and either use a registered taxi or ask someone you know to accompany you

home. Never flag down a passing taxi, always pre-book

Coffee