Seasonal safety tips from the Community Safety Partnership

Welwyn Hatfield’s Community Safety Partnership (CSP) – your partners for a safer, stronger neighbourhood -- wishes you a safe and happy festive season. On this page are various tips to keep you and your possessions safe this Christmas.

Out shopping

• Stay alert to pickpockets – keep your purse or wallet close to your body and don't carry too much cash.
• Don’t leave presents or bags in view in a parked car and try not to return to your car to leave purchases in the boot before continuing with your shopping trip. Thieves watch car parks!
• Be aware of who is around you at cash points and watch out for any unusual devices fixed to cash machines.
• Counterfeit goods, ranging from clothing and perfume to DVDs and cigarettes, may have a tempting price tag but they are often poor quality and can also be dangerous.

At home

• Don’t leave presents where they can be seen from the street.
• Empty boxes left outside advertise that you have new goods inside and can also be a fire risk – dispose of packing carefully.
• Keep candles in purpose made candle holders. If you are going out make sure you blow them out and also make sure any decorative lights are switched off.
• Buy a stock of batteries for new gifts. Do not use the one in your smoke alarm – doing so puts you and your family at risk.

Out on the town

• Don't leave your mobile on the table – busy places make it easier for a thief.
• Plan your night out. Know where you’re going, how you’re getting there and how you plan to get home. Make sure someone who is not out with you knows where you are going.
• If you are walking along the street, stay away from the edge of the road.
• When the party’s over, do not drive if you’ve been drinking. And when you get home, don’t cook if you’ve been drinking – many home fires at this time of year are caused by people falling asleep and leaving appliances on.

Useful contacts

• Crimestoppers (to give information anonymously): 0800 555 111
• Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (free fire safety check of your home): 0800 587 3347
• Domestic Violence Helpline: 08088 088 088
• Hertfordshire Constabulary (all areas for non-emergencies): 0845 3300 222
• NHS Direct (24 hour healthcare advice): 0845 46 47
• In the event of an emergency call 999
• feelsafe@welhat.gov.uk