Safe Shopping this Christmas
December 1, 2015
In the run up to Christmas Lisburn & Castlereagh Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) are encouraging people to be more aware of opportunistic criminals while shopping for gifts.
The key message ‘While you’re out shopping, so are they!’ is a reminder to everyone of the importance of locking all doors and windows when not in the house. For convenience a majority of people will also be shopping online and it is equally important to protect ourselves from online scams and fraud during this period.
Speaking about the campaign, Chairman of Lisburn & Castlereagh PCSP, Councillor Scott Carson, said: “Unfortunately this time of year in particular provides opportunities for criminals to take advantage of the good will of others. That makes it even more important for all of us to be aware of what we can do to protect ourselves and our families from becoming victims of crime.
"Supporting the campaign with local initiatives Lisburn & Castlereagh PCSP and the Local Policing Teams will be out and about raising awareness amongst shoppers on how to keep safe during the festive season. Simple things like not leaving presents on display will help in preventing a burglary in your home.
"Many will be going online to order gifts for family and friends and need to be aware of the types and dangers of cybercrime when internet shopping. Let’s make this Christmas one to remember by heeding the crime prevention advice on offer.”
Speaking about the campaign Superintendent Sean Wright, District Commander of Lisburn & Castlereagh said, Officers and staff in Lisburn and Castlereagh City District Command Unit are working hard with our colleagues in the PCSP and a broad range of other partners in order to try to ensure that Christmas is as safe and enjoyable as possible for everyone. Unfortunately though, there are some people in society who want to take advantage the festive season for their own selfish gain. We need your help to make things as difficult as possible for them. So, as you make your preparations for Christmas please remember to lock your windows and doors at home, keep presents out of sight and do not put your Christmas tree and presents in the front window for everyone to see. When you’re shopping, whether online or in the high street, keep your bank details safe and do not respond to emails that offer you unexpected gifts or rewards – they are likely to be a scam designed to relieve you of your hard earned cash. Be vigilant too on behalf of your elderly or vulnerable neighbours – if you see or hear anything that gives you cause for concern contact the police on 101 or use 999 in an emergency. Finally, please don’t leave your recently purchased gifts inside your car – that is a temptation that some people find impossible to ignore.
Find out more by calling the police and asking for your Crime Prevention Officer / Local Policing Team or contact Lisburn & Castlereagh PCSP on 028 9250 9279.