Thwart the Bracknell thieves: Christmas 'presence' of mind
Christmas can be the busiest time of the year, not just for shoppers but for thieves as well. John Oblein, crime reduction adviser for Bracknell Forest local police area, has some practical advice to help people avoid becoming victims of crime.
“At this time of year we often give thieves more opportunities to profit from our lack of care. Having your belongings stolen is always upsetting, but it is especially hurtful when it’s the Christmas presents for loved ones that go missing.
“Unless you are doing all your seasonal shopping on the internet or by mail order catalogue, you will probably be using your car and parking near the shops. The thief knows this too and can prey on parked cars with obvious shopping left on view. Try to keep it down to one trip to and from the parked car and avoid leaving tempting parcels on view. Choose a car park that is well lit, has parking stewards on duty and CCTV as well. Some car parks have the ‘Park Mark’ quality assurance award, which means they have achieved a good standard of security and will have signs around to show their status.
“If you drive to a distant shopping centre and use a mobile ‘sat nav’ to find your way there, always take it off the windscreen and keep it with you. It is also wise to wipe off the distinctive sucker ring from the glass, a sure invitation to the thief.
“When you get home, be careful as you unload the car and don’t leave the doors or tailgate open. It has happened that items have disappeared from cars as quickly as the time between trips indoors.
“When the Christmas tree has been dressed, presents left under the tree have sometimes been the invitation to a burglar to break in and steal them. It is doubly heartbreaking not only to lose the presents, but also to be unable to replace them in time for Christmas day.
“If you have any crime prevention questions, you can find most answers on www.crimereduction.gov.uk. Alternatively, call Thames Valley Police on 08458 505 505 and ask for the crime reduction adviser for your area.”
Thames Valley Police ~ Bracknell
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