Keep your valuables safe

In your vehicle...

make sure you're the one taking the Christmas shopping home - lock car doors, close windows and take all valuables with you when you leave your vehicle. Don't tempt thieves.

Watch our short video for tips on keeping your property secure and your valuables safe
close and lock all windows and doors before you go out or to bed
don't leave keys or Christmas presents on display near windows and doors
close the curtains when it gets dark so people can't see in
dispose of packaging carefully - the wrapping and boxes you put outside your house on bin day advertise what's in your house.
put a radio and a light on a timer, to come on after it gets dark, so it seems like someone's home.

don't leave valuables unattended or on display i.e. on top of a pram, trolley or table
keep your bag zipped up and in front of your body - use a purse chain if you can

Read more advice on keeping your home, your property and your vehicle secure

On your nights out this Christmas, have fun but stay safe.

Alcohol makes you vulnerable and reduces your inhibitions, meaning you're more likely to do things you wouldn't normally. Drink responsibly.

Stay in control and walk away from confrontations.

Never drink and drive - before you go on a night out, get your lift home organised.

Avoid problems while travelling by following our simple advice:

check the weather forecast and road conditions before you travel
make sure you have enough petrol for your journey and carry warm waterproof clothing, food, water and a torch in your vehicle
be vigilant and make sure you can be seen by using lights and wearing high visibility clothing - poor weather means it can be harder for drivers to see you
adapt your driving for different weather conditions -
in the wet, fog and ice, keep well back from the car in front, slow down and use appropriate lights (know where your fog lights are!)
keep your vehicle in good working order - make sure brakes and lights work, fluid levels are topped up and your windscreen is clear before you set off.

Keep up-to-date with the road and weather conditions

for the latest weather updates visit the Met Office website and for flood warnings, visit the Environment Agency website
find out what's happening on the roads by visiting the Highways Agency website.

Make yourself as visible as possible if you're out at night, by wearing bright or reflective clothing

If you're driving, use public car parks with CCTV or which display the Safer Parking Scheme park mark

Put down car aerials and tuck in wing mirrors when parked

Park in a garage, in view from your home, or in a busy well-lit area where possible

Watch our short video for tips on keeping your home secure and your property safe.