The festive season is just around the corner which is a joyous time of year for many. However, with the increase in shopping, partying and time spent away from home we unfortunately see an increase in theft and burglary, reports of drink spiking and domestic abuse cases. So we have put together some tips and advice on how to celebrate safely.
Residential burglary
The main items stolen from residential properties are e-scooters/bikes, parcels, and gardening equipment, and there is a spike in phone and bike thefts around transport hubs and town centres. To prevent these thefts happening:
- ensure all your windows and doors are closed and locked
- keep valuables out of sight and away from windows
- be mindful of where your tree is, as you don’t want to advertise wrapped gifts by a window
- if going out, please be careful about publicising where you are, as you never know who is watching
- register your valuables with immobilise.com - a website where you can register your valuables for free to improve the chances of getting them back if lost or stolen
- if you are having parcels delivered, make sure you redirect them to a local shop or neighbour if you’re not going to be home
- make sure you have a good lock on your shed and outside storage cupboards
- if you have reoccurring deliveries, don’t forget to cancel if you are away over Christmas
- keep handbags away from the letterbox or cat flap and hide all keys including car keys, as a thief could hook keys or valuables through small openings
- if you’re out all day, use a timer device to automatically turn a low-energy light on when it gets dark
- set your burglar alarm
- lock your bike to a robust fitting bolted to the ground or wall, like a ground anchor
- lock away ladders and gardening tools to prevent them being used to access your home
- never leave a spare key outside of your house – burglars know the usual hiding spots
- consider installing a video doorbell or CCTV to help you know who’s outside your property.
If you see anyone acting suspiciously, report it to the police by calling 999 in an emergency and 101 in a non-emergency.
Theft in public places
- Look out for pickpockets in crowded areas. Keep an eye on your possessions (especially shopping bags) and store any valuables in difficult to access areas of your bag.
- Some criminals use bikes, mopeds or e-scooters to take your valuables, so remember to always look up, look out and keep your mobile phones in a safe place.
- Earbuds and headphones can be a distraction, so if you’re using them try to keep them on a low volume.
- Consider turning on the GPS on your phone and pair with a trusted person’s device, this can be helpful to officers when attempting to locate stolen phones.
- Don’t confront a thief – holding on to your possessions is not worth risking your safety.
- There has been a rise in designer coats and jackets being stolen, especially the brands Trapstar, Moncler or Canada Goose, so if you’re wearing designer labels, be mindful when you’re out.
Alcohol safety/spiking
We all love a party, but during the festive season make sure you look after yourself and friends while drinking.
Spiking is when someone maliciously administers a substance to someone without their knowledge. This could include adding it to someone’s drink, food, cigarette, vape or injecting them. Spiking can carry a prison sentence of up to 10 years.
When you’re out at a pub, bar or club, be careful of drink spiking:
- Always buy your own drink - don't accept drinks from strangers.
- Throw your drink away if you think it tastes strange or different.
- Never leave your drink unattended.
- Don't drink anyone else's drink.
If you’re out and suspect that your drink, or someone else’s, has been spiked:
- Alert venue staff and a trusted person.
- Ask a friend to leave with you and take you home or to a hospital (if seriously unwell).
- Call an ambulance if your condition, or theirs, deteriorates in any way.
- Don’t go anywhere with a stranger or someone you don't know very well.
Tell the police what has happened as soon as you can. Call 999 (in an emergency) or 101.
For more spiking advice and support on the gov.uk website.
If you’re out at a bar, club or pub and feel unsafe, vulnerable, or threatened in any way, “Ask for Angela” at the bar. Trained staff will be able to help you in a discreet way.
This could include alerting security, leading you to a safe space, or helping you leave the premises unnoticed.
Domestic abuse
Sadly, domestic abuse cases rise around this time of year – as a result of more time spent at home, financial pressures and increased alcohol and substance use.
If you, or someone you know, is experiencing domestic abuse, there is support and help available all year round.
For confidential support or information, call the Greenwich Domestic Violence and Abuse Service (GDVA) helpline on 020 8317 8273 or you can call the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
The HER Centre run weekly drop-ins which provide legal advice and emotional support. Find out more information on our website.
Counter Terrorism Policing’s winter campaign
We’re working with Terrorism Police to keep Royal Greenwich safe. When you're out and about enjoying the winter festivities, stay alert to people filming security exits, entrances or CCTV, any unattended bags or anything you see or hear that doesn’t feel right.
Trust your instincts and tell staff, security or police or report it to Counter Terrorism Policing online. In an emergency call 999. You won’t be wasting anyone’s time.