{"id":2301,"date":"2015-11-30T14:01:08","date_gmt":"2015-11-30T14:01:08","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/stourpaine.info\/matters\/?p=2301"},"modified":"2015-11-30T14:01:08","modified_gmt":"2015-11-30T14:01:08","slug":"dorset-police-alert-dont-let-burglars-pocket-your-christmas-presents","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stourpaine.info\/matters\/2015\/11\/30\/dorset-police-alert-dont-let-burglars-pocket-your-christmas-presents\/","title":{"rendered":"Dorset Police Alert – Don\u2019t Let Burglars Pocket Your Christmas Presents"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s not just law abiding citizens who like to do their Christmas shopping at this time of year – burglars do too. Leaving your property in the dark whilst doing late night shopping could encourage thieves to break into your home and tick off items on their own<\/em> Christmas lists.<\/p>\n

Every year Christmas spirit encapsulates the hearts of the nation, but it\u2019s important for people to remember to keep their items from view of a potential thief, whether it\u2019s in their vehicles or in their homes, police officials say.<\/p>\n

Crime Prevention Officer, Debbie Oldfield, said: \u201cConsumers who choose to shop after darkness has fallen should think about their home security prior to leaving their property, as a dark, unoccupied home can entice burglars to try their luck.<\/p>\n

\u201cTaking simple precautions such as using timer switches to activate lights and radios, ensuring that your house alarm is set and not removing valuables from windows and doors, all help deter an opportunist burglar.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you are ordering items off the internet make sure you have delivery arrangements in place so parcels are not left on the doorstep or in easy accessible areas.<\/p>\n

\u201cBeing burgled at any time of year causes misery for the victim, but replacing windows or broken doors, liaising with the insurance companies and buying new Christmas presents, can really add to an often already stressful experience.\u201d<\/p>\n

Neighbourhood Policing Teams (NPTs) regularly run community engagement events in the run up to Christmas and provide crime prevention advice to the public.<\/p>\n

Officers also increase patrols in vulnerable areas across Dorset and target prolific offenders.<\/p>\n

Ms Oldfield believes working as a community could help reduce burglary. She added: \u201cBy working with your neighbours you can make it a safer place to live and you can all look out for suspicious people in the area.<\/p>\n

\u201cConsider joining a neighbourhood watch group or start one up of your own if there isn\u2019t one in place.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you think someone is acting suspiciously, call the police on 101, or if a crime is in progress, dial the emergency number 999.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you are aware of someone handling stolen goods or involved in criminal activity, please call the police. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers, an independent charity, for free on 0800 555 111. You will remain anonymous and could be eligible of a reward.\u201d<\/p>\n

POLICE GUIDANCE<\/strong><\/p>\n