Beat the thieves at Christmas

POLICE are urging people in Yeovil and South Somerset to help them beat the thieves in the run up to Christmas with a brand new video campaign. 

PCSO Neil Spiring – star of the See Bike Crime? Call 999! video that police launched three weeks ago as part of Operation Relentless – is back in a new film to raise awareness of crimes like phone, bag, bike and car thefts.

The video – Gone in Six Seconds – highlights how easy it is for a thief when people are not being vigilant or are unaware of what's going on around them.

Inspector Keith Rundle said: "The run up to Christmas is a time when people are thinking about spending their hard earned money on buying their loved ones presents. But opportunist thieves and burglars may use this to their advantage.

"We are relentless on pursuing criminals who think that they can steal from others in our communities and putting them before the courts to answer for their crimes.

"Around this time of year we are out on patrol looking out for anything suspicious and we work closely with local retailers and car park companies, for example, to deter and catch thieves.

"But we also need people to be aware of how quickly a mobile phone can be swiped or a shopping bag can be grabbed, that way people can help keep themselves and their property safe and avoid giving criminals a gift this Christmas."

The latest Relentless operation, which is focused on targeting serious acquisitive criminals like burglars, robbers and car and bike thieves launched on September 10. Since the launch police have seen more than 1,200 arrests for serious acquisitive crime offences across Avon and Somerset.

TOP TIPS FOR KEEPING YOUR PROPERTY SAFE:

Don't advertise your stuff to thieves.

Never leave valuables on display in your car if it is parked and unattended.

Always try to clear all valuables out of the car.  If you cannot, always lock them away in the boot, out of sight.

Never put wallets, purses or mobile phones down on a table in a café or restaurant and leave them unattended.

When you are out shopping always keep shopping bags and handbags close and within your sight.

Always lock your bike with a quality D-Lock locking the frame and the wheel.

Never leave valuables on display in windows at home or within reach of letterboxes and catflaps.

Always lock all windows and doors.

Watch the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L16kxWibwYk&feature=plcp .

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