Don?t let thieves spoil your Christmas (Status: Press release)

THE Police are advising residents in South Oxfordshire to be extra careful to protect their property in the run up to Christmas. Over the last two weeks there has been an increase in burglaries and theft from vehicles across the district.

Crime Reduction Advisor, Julia Wheeler, said: ?Burglaries can be distressing for any victim and although we are working hard to tackle these crimes and catch those responsible I would like to take this opportunity to ask residents to help us to do this.
?At this time of year thieves take advantage of the longer, darker nights to commit crime and are on the look out for the opportunity to steal newly purchased Christmas presents.
?Most burglaries are carried out by opportunist thieves. In two out of ten burglaries, they don?t even have to use excess force; they manage to get in through an open door or window.
?Reduce the risk of your home being burgled by making sure you take some simple and inexpensive precautions. Take action now and don?t become a victim of burglary over the coming days.?

?Anything on view in your car or in your house is a target for thieves and I would like to offer the following advice to residents:

? Keep your car locked whenever it is unoccupied, even when paying for petrol.
? Don?t leave any valuables including Christmas presents in your vehicle.
? Make the house looks occupied after dark by leaving a lamp on a timer.
? Don?t leave Christmas presents where they can be seen though the ground floor windows of your house.
? Ensure that front and back doors and windows are locked when you are out and at night.
? Lock valuable or sentimental jewellery away in a large lockable cabinet or in a safe bolted to the wall or floor.
? When putting out your rubbish, break up and dispose of packaging with care so thieves don?t target your house for your new purchases.?

Home security advice leaflets and property marking pens are available from your local police station.

If you have see any suspicious activity or have any information to help the police with their inquiries contact 0845 8 505 505, if you do not want to talk to police you can call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111 and remain anonymous.

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