Thieves know you’ve got valuable indoors at Christmas (Status:Press release)

THAMES Valley Police is urging people in South Oxfordshire to take precautions to ensure their festive season is not ruined by crime.

Over the coming weeks in the run-up to Christmas, people traditionally have more valuables in their homes ? something thieves are well aware of.

Malcolm Wills, Crime Reduction Adviser, said: “There are a few simple precautions that people can take to deter thieves.
“I would like to take this opportunity to offer the following advice to residents to help keep their Christmas presents safe and their homes secure while the nights are dark.”

Always secure your car and house doors and windows, even when just popping out.

Close your curtains when it?s dark ? don?t let thieves window shop

Avoid leaving Christmas presents under the tree in full view of burglars who maybe peering through windows ? keep them in a secure place until Christmas day

Always set your burglar alarm or think about investing in one if you don?t have one

Keep keys out of sight in a secure place and never hang them inside the letterbox or in convenient hiding places, such as under mats or flowerpots

Ensure your sheds and garges are always locked and secure ? they often store high value tools that thieves can use to break into the rest of the house

Don?t tip-off burglars by leaving boxes of expensive Christmas gifts outside your house ? wait until the day of your refuse collection

Mark your property using UV pens or a forensic marking kit such as SelectaDNA that is available from the crime prevention and reduction specialist at West Oxfordshire District Council. This makes it harder for thieves to sell the items and easier for the police to identify the true owner if they are recovered

Note down the serial numbers of all electrical goods and keep the list out of sight in a secure place. Where possible photograph them as this can help identify recovered property

Be careful when loading your car with Christmas presents and shopping ? note your surroundings. Don?t leave the boot open or your valuable shopping on display. If you need to, try and park in a designated and well lit car park.