Christmas Safety Tips

For most of us Christmas is a time to relax and have fun, although it can also be frantically busy and more than a little stressful. Many of us will be out and about more than usual – for that essential Christmas shopping and to festive parties and other social events – and the last thing we need is to become a victim of crime. To help avoid this, consider some of the following advice:

Christmas Shopping

The nearer it gets to the 25^th, the busier the shops become and the more fraught you are likely to be. Try to remember:

Don’t get loaded down with too many bags. Try to keep one hand free.
Try and avoid taking young children into busy shopping areas but if it is unavoidable make sure they know what to do if they lose you, eg. Tell the nearest counter assistant that they are lost and NEVER leave a shop without you.
Agree a meeting point with older children in case you get separated.
Be careful where you park your car, especially if you will be returning to it after dark.
If parking in a multi-storey car park, choose a well-lit space as close to the exit as possible and away from pillars. Reverse into position.
Keep car doors locked whilst driving in built up areas, especially if you’ve got bags of presents in the car.
Don’t leave lots of presents on show in a parked car as they could tempt thieves.
Keep alert and aware of your surroundings, especially in busy shops and crowded streets where thieves and pickpockets may well be operating.
If you think you spot a thief or pickpocket alert the police or security staff. Avoid a confrontation whenever possible
Keep a close watch on your valuables and try not to keep them all in one place.

Christmas Parties

Most of us like a drink or two at a party but remember that alcohol will make you more relaxed and could affect your judgment – don’t let it endanger your personal safety.

The most common date rape drug is alcohol, with victims being given drinks with a far higher alcohol content than they think.
Watch your drinks and food to ensure that nothing is added to them.
Be especially careful never to leave your drink unattended, even if you are going onto a dance floor or to the toilet.
If your drink has been left unattended, do not drink any more of it.
If something tastes or looks odd, do not eat/drink any more of it. Be aware though that some date rape drugs are colourless and tasteless.
If someone you do not know or trust offers to buy you a drink, either decline politely or accompany them to the bar and watch that nothing is added to your drink.
Know your own limit.
If you meet someone new at a party DON’T go home with them. DON’T invite them back to your home or accept a lift from them. Arrange a second date in a public place to get to know the person better.
Pay attention to your instincts. If you feel uneasy about someone, there may be a reason – don’t give them personal details about yourself and don’t arrange a second date.
When it’s time to go home, carry your keys, travel card, mobile phone and some money in your pocket, so you can give up your handbag or wallet and escape quickly if necessary on the way home.
If possible carry a personal alarm and know how to use it to shock and disorientate an assailant so that you can get away.

Transport

The party’s over and you need to get home. You are likely to be tired and slightly the worse for wear so you need to be careful.

The ideal plan is to book your cab in advance or, if you have the number of a licensed cab company with you, call from the party and arrange for them to pick you up right outside the venue. Alternatively, ask your host or staff at the club/bar/restaurant to recommend one.
Never accept a lift from a minicab touting for trade. You have no guarantee that the driver is a mini cab driver at all.
If necessary walk to the nearest minicab office – keeping to well-lit streets and walking against the traffic and in sight of other people whenever possible.
Always sit in the back of a cab and if you get chatting to the driver do not give away personal details. If you feel uneasy with the driver, ask him to stop at a busy familiar place and get out.
If using public transport, have your ticket, pass or change ready in your hand so that your wallet is out of sight.
Always wait for the bus or train in a well-lit place near other people if possible and try and arrange for someone to meet you at the bus stop or station.
Take note of where the emergency alarms are and try and sit near them – there are alarms on every bus, in every train carriage and on every platform.
If a bus is empty or it is after dark, stay on the lower deck as near as possible to the driver.
On trains avoid empty compartments or compartments that have no access to corridors or other parts of the train. If you feel threatened on any public transport press the alarm and/or make as much noise as possible to attract attention of your fellow passengers or the driver or guard.