Bernie on the Beat: Safety tips for the Festive Season

Published on December 06, 2022

’Tis the season to be mindful! Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year; make sure it's one you remember for all the right reasons.

All I want for Christmas is a safe one for all. Follow these tips to avoid any unwanted surprises this year. 

• Don’t invite criminals to Christmas. Make it hard for any unwanted visitors to enter your property by investing in window stays. They’re affordable, effective and even this Police Officer found them easy to install. 
• Take photos of serial numbers of any big items and break down boxes before putting them in your recycling bin – you don’t want to advertise new items which could tempt would-be thieves. 
• Keep your doors locked. A lockable screen door is a great choice if you want to air the house while you’re in the yard or garden. 
• Twinkling lights and Christmas decorations are good attention grabbers – don’t let them distract you from protecting your belongings when you’re out shopping. Keep your bags zipped up and close, and don’t leave purchases alone in your car. 
• If you’re heading away for the silly season, have someone regularly check your property. Ask them to collect mail and tidy the garden to make your home look lived in. Leave the spare key with someone you trust – thieves know all the best places to find hidden spare house keys. 

Santa shouldn’t be the only one watching who’s naughty or nice. Call us on 111 if you notice any odd behaviour and record vehicle registration numbers if you notice anyone acting suspiciously in your neighbourhood. 

Have a safe and enjoyable holiday season.

Be careful on the road, remembering to stick to speed limits, wear your seatbelt and get a ride if you’ve had too much to drink. If you’re heading to the beach stick to the 30km/h limit to keep other beach users and the environment safe. 

Stay safe.