Crime: Christmas Time Mistletoe and Crime!

Christmas is a time to shop for gifts, trying to get the best deal we can- but we’re not the only ones looking for a bargain. Most crime is opportunistic and the festive season tends to offer criminals plenty of chances to take advantage of people's generosity and festive mood.

Santa’s little helpers:

Make sure thieves don’t help themselves to your Christmas goodies while you’re distracted and dazzled by all the Christmas lights at this festive time of the year by taking a few extra steps to ensure you and your gifts are safe.

Car crime is one of the most popular crimes leading up to Christmas, which statistics have shown a surge in over the festive period. With new cars full to the brim with security features, car criminals turn their thoughts to older cars - small cars and cars over 12 years old are the most commonly targeted.

The RAC claim that amongst those have been targeted by crime are likely to be a shopper who loaded their car with gifts before going back for a last few items, then walked away leaving the car door open- offering the perfect opportunity for thieves. Another mistake shoppers make is accidently leaving bags behind and driving off in a hurry due to the frenzied Christmas atmosphere. The RAC have also highlighted other things to be aware of around this somewhat stressful time of the year, when your busy ticking off things on your Christmas list you might forget to lock the car doors- remember there is likely to be someone watching and waiting for you to make this mistake.

It is a known fact that Christmas is a time when we all have too much to do and not enough time to do it. The pressures of family, work and social commitments make it one of the most stressful times of the year. Ordinarily sensible and well organised people frequently get distracted because they have such a lot on their mind and not taking care of mundane things like locking the car can be a consequence. But now that much car crime is actually opportunist driven, motorists should be extra vigilant to protect the vehicles and contents, especially if they don't want to become one of the Christmas crime statistics.

Ways to prevent crime?

Christmas shopping is one of the most stressful things about the season and you don't want to have to do it twice. So make sure you, your car and your purchases are kept safe and secure at all times.  There are a number of ways you can do this which wont hinder you anymore than normal, but will ensure you and your belongings are safer.

Parking in a well-lit, busy area will provide natural surveillance as well as improving your personal safety, particularly if you will be returning to your car after dark.

Using a steering lock will also act as a deterrent, as thieves will see that you have taken precautionary measures and will think twice about breaking in to your car.  Sometimes the most obvious things are the easiest to forget, such as making sure you always close your windows and lock your doors, which could take a few extra minutes but may prevent your car from getting stolen.

By taking all your valuables with you or keeping your purchases out of sight- the glove compartment is one of the first places a thief will look for wallets, purses, stereo faces and mobile phones, so by taking them all with you there is no risk of theft. 

Despite rising crime figures, the rate of the rise is slowing. However recent findings show robbery crime is up 13%. David Blunkett commented that ‘there are no quick wins on crime- it is a long term investment’.

So when out and about during the festive season make sure you follow simple steps to ensure the best possible security- making sure your Christmas is celebrated with wine and not crime.

- K.J.N -