Stay safe this winter

Protect your property

Christmas should be a great time for your friends and family – not criminals.

Thieves tend to target homes, cars and personal possessions during the Christmas period but there are some simple steps you can take to reduce the risk of being targeted.

Keep presents hidden and out of sight
Avoid keeping gifts in the boot of your car
Wrapping and boxes advertise rich pickings for criminals – dispose of packaging safely
Take care when buying online – make sure you only use secure websites for online payments
Remove portable sat navs and clean the suction marks from your windscreen
Avoid keeping large amounts of cash at home
Lock doors and windows and avoid leaving bags and car keys near windows
if you are going away cancel milk, papers and use a timer to switch lights and radios on and off
Don’t open the door to unexpected callers – use a door chain and check their identity first
If you go away for Christmas then ask a someone to check your property regularly
Don't forget to check on any elderly relatives or neighbours

Does that offer seem too good?

It probably is – don’t part with your money unless you are sure the source is genuine.

Winter driving

Drive carefully this winter, particularly when the roads get slippery.

Adapt your driving for different weather conditions – in the wet, fog and ice keep well back from the car in front and slow down
If you do skid, ease off the accelerator but don’t brake suddenly
Winter sun can dazzle – keep sunglasses in your car
Regularly check your car lights, tyres and fluid levels
Keep your battery fully charged
Make sure wipers and lights are in good working order
Check you have coolant in your radiator and screen wash in your windscreen bottle
In bad weather only drive if necessary – if you do have to make a journey take a blanket, spade, warm drink and food in case you break down or get stuck

» For information about road conditions on motorways and trunk roads, check the Highway Agency website

» For information on weather conditions, visit the Met Office website.

Safer socialising

Drink responsibly and know your limits
Always use a licensed minicab, taxi, night bus or the Tube to get home. Text HOME to 60835 to get taxi and licensed minicab numbers
Don’t leave your handbag unattended at a pub or a function
Look after your drink and never leave it unattended
Always report any suspicious activity to the police immediately

Contact us

Community Safety (Acquisitive Crime)
London Borough of Waltham Forest
2nd Floor, Cedar Wood House
2d Fulbourne Road
Walthamstow E17 4GG