Do your best to prevent crime this Christmas

THE Christmas season is approaching so we would like to share some sound Community Safety Advice for staying safe and having a crime-free and enjoyable festive period. Please be aware that at this time of year there is usually an increase in theft of property from garages, garden sheds and also online so where applicable please ensure :

1. You have a secure hasp and door hinges with threaded coach bolts with backing plates to prevent the bolt being pulled through the wood.

2. Door frames and walls are solid.

3. Replace any broken panes with laminated glass.

4. A shed burglar alarm is fitted.

5. Valuable items are secured separately to an anchor point.

6. If you keep bikes or electrical property in the shed, keep a copy of the registration numbers and security mark them.

7. Any property with a serial number can be registered for free on www. immobilise.com

8. Garages or garden sheds are NEVER left unlocked, especially if there is a connecting door to the house.

9. Always close and lock all house windows – especially overnight.

10. Always close and lock all house doors and do NOT leave your keys in the locks of your doors – these can be “fished out” by burglars through the letter box.

11. Do not leave valuables on display in your house or in your car.

12. If you have an external light, ensure that it is working – burglars do not want to be seen.

13. Be vigilant, please report any suspicious people or activity straight away on 101 or, if the incident looks serious, on 999 so the police can conduct the necessary checks – who knows, you may prevent a burglary.

14. If you are shopping online be aware of the following: check the web address, always check you are on the correct website. Criminals can set up fake websites that have a similar design and web address to the genuine site. Is it a secure connection? Web pages you enter personal or financial details into should display a locked padlock sign and have a web address that starts https. This means your connection to the website i s secure. Phishing – don’t click on links or attachments within unsolicited emails. The number of online shopping related phishing emails increases significantly during the holiday period.

Bank transfers – 65% of Action Fraud reports during the 2016 Christmas period were linked to online auction sites. Don’t pay for goods or services by bank transfer unless you know and trust the person. Payments via bank transfer offer you no protection if you become a victim of fraud. Finally, never give your bank account details or card pin number to anyone who calls you by telephone or contacts you by e-mail. Remember that your bank, HMRC or the police will never call you and ask for these details so be aware of these scams.

Please look after your property and your money but do enjoy the festive season. For more advice, contact our office on 02920 527301. Bill Farnham

Chairman, Cardiff West Neighbourhood Watch Association

Talking to our members who work in retail, I know that verbal abuse cuts deep Paddy Lillis, General Secretary Usdaw