With the dark nights drawing in, follow our advice to make sure you and your family stay safe and reduce the risk of being targeted by criminals.
Don’t tempt thieves
At home…
Keep expensive items out of sight and close curtains as soon as it starts to get dark so people can’t easily see in.
Dispose of packaging carefully as empty boxes outside your home advertise valuables to thieves.
Take care when buying online – make sure you only use secure websites for online payments.
Lock doors and windows and avoid leaving bags and car keys near windows.
If you are going away, make sure you cancel milk, papers and use a timer to switch lights and radios on and off
When out doing shopping…
Zip up your bag so that purses and wallets cannot be seen and easily taken.
Don’t leave bags unattended in baskets, trolleys, pushchairs or mobility scooters/wheelchairs.
If you need to take shopping back to your car, put bags in the boot – do not leave them on display.
Stay safe on nights out…
If you are going out this Autumn, have fun but don’t forget that alcohol makes you vulnerable and can impair your judgment.
Before you go on a night out, always make sure you’ve sorted your lift home – don’t leave it to chance.
Walk in well-lit areas.
Lower the risk of drink spiking – do not leave your drink at any time. Put your thumb over the opening if you are drinking from a bottle, keep an eye on your friends’ drinks, never accept a drink from anyone you do not know and do not share or exchange drinks.
Drink driving or driving under the influence of drugs is illegal and can ruin your life and those of others. The only safe limit is zero limit.
Driving in wintery conditions…
- Always check the weather forecast and road conditions before you travel ensuring you keep checking to stay up to date.
- Be extra alert for hazards when visibility is poor.
- Slow down – when the roads are wet it can take twice as long to stop your vehicle.
- Carry warm waterproof clothing, food, water and a torch in your vehicle.
- Make sure you have plenty of fuel for your journey before you set off.
Out in wintery conditions…
Be vigilant and make sure you can be seen by using lights or wearing high visibility clothing. Poor weather conditions mean it can be harder for drivers to see pedestrians and cyclists.
Look after vulnerable people…
Check on elderly or vulnerable people to make sure they are safe and well. If the roads are unsafe, don’t travel to check on a relative – ask a trusted neighbour if they can check in on them.
Please contact your local Neighbourhood Team if you would like more advice on staying safe and well this winter. All details can be found on our website www.gwent.police.uk
