Buying Christmas presents? Avoid giving generously to thieves.

At Christmas time, we often spend our hard earnt money on buying presents for friends and family. Sadly, thieves know this too – and they’re on the lookout for opportunities. Take a moment to think like a thief, then take steps to protect your home and vehicle this festive season.

Secure your home

• Always lock windows, doors and garden gates to prevent a burglar from simply ‘walking in’
• Don’t leave valuables on show or within easy reach of doors or windows
• Remove keys from view and don’t leave them in the lock or near the door
• If you’re out, make your home look occupied – use a timer switch to turn on lighting inside and outside
• Use your burglar alarm if you have one
• Close curtains or blinds after dark to stop people looking in from outside
• Ask for proof of identity before letting anyone into your home
• After Christmas, don’t advertise your gifts by leaving boxes outside for rubbish collection
• Protect your property with Smartwater and register your valuables for free on www.immobilise.com
• Consider joining your local Neighbourhood Watch scheme

Protect your vehicle

• Don't leave items on display, remove valuables and wipe away sat nav marks
• Always lock your vehicle, and don’t forget the boot and windows
• When you’re out and about, always try and park in a secure attended car park, or use one that’s been awarded the Park Mark® status by the British Car Park Association. Find out more at www.saferparking.com

·         When parking at home, use your garage if you have one and lock garden gates. If you park on the street,
try to leave your car in a well-lit area or near a CCTV camera

·         Fit an immobiliser or an alarm, and use a steering lock to deter criminals

• Consider buying anti-theft screws for your number plate and lockable nuts for wheels
• Have your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) etched on windows, windscreens and headlamps
• Keep serial numbers for electrical items such as CD changers or sat navs, and mark them with your vehicle registration number. This will help the police return items to you if they’re stolen and later recovered.

If you would like further advice, call Nottinghamshire Police on 101 or visit www.nottinghamshire.police.uk.
If a crime is in progress, dial 999. You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.