Stay safe for the festive season as new campaign launched
WITH the festive season nearly underway, Hinckley and Bosworth’s Community Safety Partnership is urging people to keep safe during the holiday season.
This year’s annual campaign will be launched on Friday 16 November at Hinckley’s Christmas lights switch on and members of the partnership will be on hand to give out crime prevention advice and personal safety information. This will include helpful tips to prevent vehicle crime and burglary, how to protect yourself online and tips for sensible drinking.
Children can have their photo taken with Woody Nickit, the partnerships animated character and enter a colouring competition where one lucky winner will be in with a chance to win a cinema voucher.
In addition to crime prevention, the partnership will be raising awareness of other issues that affect our communities during this time of year; domestic abuse, being considerate of neighbours if planning a party and looking out for elderly or vulnerable neighbours.
The partnership will also be encouraging people to drink sensibly and working with young people in schools and colleges highlighting to them the risks of substance misuse and give them advice on personal safety. Streetvibe Young People’s Service will be on hand during the Christmas lights switch on weekend providing detached youth work in the town centre. Taxi marshals will also be working in the town centre on key nights over Christmas to ensure that people waiting for a taxi get home safely.
At this time of year residents are also being urged to take some simple steps to protect their vehicles by:
Not leaving valuables and shopping in the car on view
Not leaving a car unattended and the engine running while defrosting the windscreen
Always lock your car and shut the windows even if only leaving the car for a short while.
Council Leader and Executive Member for Community Safety Cllr Mike Hall said “We want everyone to have a happy and enjoyable Christmas and the Community Safety Partnership team have lots of advice to help you to enjoy your time safely.
Taking a few precautions and thinking of others can help us all to enjoy our celebrations and to take care of ourselves and those around us.
With a few simple tips you can also help your friends and family to celebrate sensibly, and the team look forward to talking to you on what I am sure will be a very busy evening.”
To report a crime or suspicious activity people are urged to call the police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency where life is in danger or crime is in progress always call 999.
For more information on this year’s campaign call the Community Safety Unit on Tel. 01455 238141 or visit www.hinckleybosworth.gov.uk in the run up to Christmas.