Christmas shopping crime prevention advice
This is a message from Neighbourhood Alert Information sent on behalf of Nottinghamshire Police
Message sent by
Lindsay Donnelly (Police, Administrator, Nottinghamshire)
As the big event draws nearer, many people will be out Christmas shopping this weekend – please take a moment to read the information below to keep yourself and your belongings safe.
When Shopping
Make sure your handbag, purse, wallet and phone are secure and out of sight in a place where a pick pocket would find it difficult to reach without you knowing. Never leave your belongings unattended.
Pay for items on a debit card rather than carrying large amounts of cash. Consider purchasing using a credit card as you may get insurance cover should any of the items be stolen.
When typing your PIN into a hand terminal or ATM, ensure it cannot be seen by others.
NEVER write down your PIN – change it to something you will remember that is not easy to guess, ie not 1234, 9876 1111 etc
When leaving your vehicle, always close car windows; engage steering locks, lock doors and set alarms/immobilisers.
Ensure car Sat Nav devices are removed from unattended vehicles. Also remove the suction mounted fitting from the windscreen as this gives potential thieves a strong indication that the car has a Sat Nav device that may be in the car somewhere.
Where possible, don’t return to your car to leave purchases in the boot before continuing with your shopping trip as thieves may well watch car parks for just such a chance. Arrange to collect bulky items from stores when you have finished all your shopping. If you have to keep presents/shopping in the car, make sure they are in the boot and the car is locked and that receipts are kept separate.
Park in a well lit area or an attended car park. Why not check out “ParkMark” safer car parks and use those? http://www.parkmark.co.uk/
Be alert when travelling on crowded buses, trams or trains; and in crowded shops and bars. These are where pickpockets prefer to operate. If you get bumped or jostled, check that you have everything you should have, and report anything missing straight away.
At Cashpoints (ATMs)
Go with a friend if possible and be aware of your surroundings. If you see someone suspicious hanging around, use another cashpoint.
Before inserting your card have a look around the machine, checking that it appears normal and there is nothing attached.
When typing your PIN, ensure that it cannot be seen by anyone else.
Only withdraw as much as you need and avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Put your money and cards away safely before leaving the machine.
For further crime prevention advice and to help ensure you enjoy a crime free Christmas, please visit the Christmas crime prevention page on our website.
Message sent on behalf of the Pre Crime Unit