Police in Barrow are warning everyone to lock it or lose it this Christmas in a bid to ensure that Santa Claus is the only unannounced visitor this festive season.
Crime does not stop for Christmas and Police are hoping that everyone follows some simple precautionary measures to help avoid a Christmas of despair.
Police are asking members of the public to lock windows and doors to their homes and vehicles as well as make sure all sheds and garages are secure. Criminals are often opportunistic and Police do not want members of the public to inadvertently encourage this behaviour by carelessness.
Inspector Mike O’Hagan, Barrow Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Criminals do not need an invitation and that is why we would ask that everyone makes sure that doors and windows of your home and vehicles are locked as well as making sure outhouses and sheds are secure.
“If you are purchasing or receive electrical or high-value gifts, contact Police for advice on how and where they can security mark them. I’d also ask those that have a home that is fitted with an alarm to ensure it works and to use it.
“For those who are away over the festive period ask someone you trust to keep an eye on your home. For those who are at home please look after your neighbours this Christmas and if you see any suspicious activity please call Cumbria Police on 101.”
Another message Police want people to be wary of is that anyone who uses social media needs to be mindful of what they post. People often update Facebook and Twitter with their activities, keeping their friends and family informed of what they have been up to. However, not all keep up-to-date with their security settings on their social media pages and can unknowingly have open pages for everyone to see.
Inspector O’Hagan added: “Telling people what you are doing is not a bad thing but we are encouraging people to make sure they know who they are telling.
“Simple steps by checking security settings on social media site such as Facebook or Twitter to ensure that only friends and family can see your posts, but not share them to a wider audience, can be one way to prevent your posts being seen by everyone.
“If you want an open page, then be careful about what you post, don’t advertise the fact that you have been Christmas shopping and bought all your presents and then will be out with the family that night. You are basically just telling everyone that your house is empty and full of presents.”
Further information about staying safe online is available on our website at www.cumbria.police.uk/onlinesafety.
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