PCSP Urge Safe Shopping this Christmas

Tue, December 22, 2015

PCSP Urge Safe Shopping this Christmas

In the run up to Christmas, Causeway Coast and Glens Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) are encouraging people to be more aware of opportunistic criminals while shopping for gifts.   

The key message ‘While you’re out shopping, so are they!’ is a reminder to everyone of the importance of locking all doors and windows when not in the house. For convenience, many people will also be shopping online and it is equally important to protect ourselves from online scams and fraud during this period.

Speaking about the campaign Vice -Chair of Causeway Coast and Glens PCSP Leanne Abernethy said: “Unfortunately this time of year in particular provides opportunities for criminals to take advantage of the good will of others. That makes it even more important for all of us to be aware of what we can do to protect ourselves and our families from becoming victims of crime.”

Supporting the campaign with local initiatives, Causeway Coast and Glens PCSP and the Local Policing Teams are raising awareness amongst shoppers on how to keep safe during the festive season.   Simple things like not leaving presents on display will help in preventing a burglary in the home.

Many of us will be going online to order gifts for family and friends and we also need to be aware of the types and dangers of cybercrime when internet shopping.

Speaking about the campaign, Superintendent John Magill, District Commander of Causeway Coast and Glens said, “Christmas is a time for giving and receiving, but unfortunately it is also a time for ‘taking’, or so criminals in our society believe.

“There are people out there who will try to take advantage of the Christmas season.  They know that many houses will have more valuable items than usual; they also know people may have more disposable money in their possession.”

He continued “Please lock your doors and windows when you are out and also at night. Keep the amount of cash you carry to a minimum. If you can, buy presents with a debit or credit card.

“As always, vigilance is crucial, so if you see any suspicious activity in your area, contact police straight away.

“Let’s make this Christmas one to remember by heeding the crime prevention advice on offer.”

Find out more by calling the police and asking for your Crime Prevention Officer / Local Policing Team or contact Causeway Coast and Glens Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) on 028 777 60304.

ENDS