With Christmas just around the corner, local police are urging community members to be vigilant of their personal safety and property to ensure a safe and enjoyable festive season for all.

As many residents are planning a trip away, police say taking a few simple steps to secure homes can help prevent returning to a break-in.

“Lock all doors and windows and any extra security measures such as additional locks or wood in the window frames can help,” they say.

“Notify your neighbours or local police that you will be away and we will try to patrol the area, especially if there are firearms being stored at the property and it will be empty for some time.”

Organising a neighbour to collect mail and bins and using automatic lights can also assist in making your home less attractive to thieves.

Police say large displays of Christmas presents should not be visible through the windows or doors of your home.
“Even at shopping centres, put gifts in the boot of your car,” they say.

“When finished with the boxes, dispose of these properly and don’t leave them out showing what new products are likely to be inside your home.”

Keeping a file of serial numbers and engraving or marking expensive items, including those received as Christmas gifts, can help identify them if ever stolen.

Police also urge people travelling to be safe on the roads.

“Don’t try to do it all in one trip, if it’s more than two hours have a break, swap drivers and have a quick coffee stop,” they say.

“If towing caravans be very careful of exceeding the vehicles/caravans maximum weight and spread the weight as evenly as possible throughout the vehicle and caravan.”

Driving slower than normal, even if in a hurry or running late, and not exceeding 100 kms/h with a towed vehicle will also help improve safety on the roads.

People travelling with children and pets are reminded never to leave them alone inside the vehicle.

Above all, the local Police wish everyone a safe and very happy Christmas.

By Daniel SAHYOUN