Our Safer
Neighbourhoods Police Team have notified us of a recent burglary in Egerton
Drive which took place between 8/11/2017 and 12/11/2017 and remind you that
burglary CAN increase this time of year due to darker nights and as households
are expected to be stocked up on presents.
They have
also published a list of useful tips on Christmas Shopping, Personal Safety,
Home Security and Vehicle Crime for your information and to help keep you safe and secure, and to prevent crime.
Greenwich
West Safer Neighbourhood Team
Christmas
Crime Prevention
“Don’t let the criminals enjoy Christmas
at your expense”
Christmas Shopping
1.
Make sure your bank card isn’t a gift for pickpockets. When the
shops are crowded they have more chance to steal from you.
2.
Keep your purse or wallet close to your body and never in your
back pocket or the top of a handbag.
3.
Try to pay using a debit card rather than carrying lots of cash.
4.
Always keep your pin number secret and be aware who is around
when you are withdrawing cash from a machine.
5.
Never leave credit or debit receipts lying around – some of them
carry your card details.
6.
Keep cheque books and bank cards separate and never write down
your pin number.
7.
Always use a secure and well lit car park and never leave
shopping bags on display in your car.
Try to plan your evening in advance
1.
Get your cash out of the ATM during daylight hours.
2.
Make arrangements to get home safely – check timetables or
programme the number off a reputable taxi firm in to your phone.
3.
Use available public transport or pre book a taxi rather than
walking home.
4.
Make sure someone knows where you are going and what time you
will be back.
Look after yourself and your belongings
1.
Never leave coats or bags on the back of chairs, where thieves
can get them.
2.
Don’t accept drinks from strangers or leave yours unattended.
3.
Keep your wits about you – too much alcohol makes you
vulnerable.
4.
Stick with your friends and don’t walk home alone.
5.
Never take short cuts late at night, stick to well lit main
routes.
Don’t drink too much
1.
If you are clearly drunk you may attract the attention of an
opportunist thief.
2.
Look after friends if they’ve had too much to drink make sure
they get home safely.
If you are using your mobile at night
1.
Be aware who is around you.
2.
Set it to vibrate rather than a loud ring tone, so you don’t
attract people’s attention.
3.
Don’t walk and text, you are likely to be distracted and you are
giving a potential thief a chance to see what type of phone you have.
Home Security
1.
Leaving presents under the tree in full view from outside can
attract the attention of thieves – keep them out of sight until Christmas day.
2.
If you store larger items such as bikes in a shed or outer
building make sure they are secure.
3.
Once you’ve opened all your gifts, don’t leave the boxes on view
outside to advertise your good fortune to criminals.
4.
Leave a light and radio on a timer if you are going away for
Christmas or having a night out.
5.
As a fire precaution don’t leave Christmas lights on whilst you
are out.
6.
If you go away for Christmas, cancel your milk and newspaper
deliveries.
7.
Lock all outside doors and windows, and if you have a burglar
alarm make sure it is in full working order and set before you go away.
8.
Neighbours may be able to help you by collecting post, opening
and closing curtains and they could occasionally park their car on your
drive.
9.
Genuine delivery personnel usually have uniforms and delivery
vehicles and should not need to come into your home. Charity collectors will
have identification and will not be offended if you ask to see it.
Vehicle Crime
If you are taking your car on a Christmas
shopping trip
1.
Use well lit, secure car parks.
2.
Don’t leave anything in your car, remove everything of value
before you go shopping – including sat navs and car stereos.
3.
Security mark your sat nav with property coding devices or ultra
violet markers and Register your sat nav with www.immobilise.com . This
will help to reunite you with them if they are stolen.
4.
Keep a record of your sat nav equipment serial numbers.
5.
Open the parcel shelf and glove box to show there is nothing of
value left in the vehicle.
6.
Don’t return to your car to leave purchases in the boot before
continuing with your shopping as thieves may watch car parks.
7.
When at home keep your car keys hidden and away from doors,
windows and letterboxes.
TWITTER
Please
follow us on twitter @MPSGreenwichwst ,
@metpoliceuk or @mpsGreenwich. You will
find out about Local Events, Crime prevention, Appeals for Missing People and
Good news Stories.
NHW
If you would like to be part of a Neighbourhood watch
Scheme (NHW) or become a NHW co-ordinator, please contact PCSO 7266RG Lawton on
the contacts below.
Greenwich West Safer Neighbours Team
0208
284 5494 / 07843 065 877
Use these numbers in a non emergency
situation to inform police of events and incidents which do not need reporting.
101
Use
this number to report non urgent crime
In an emergency always dial 999