Security from £15.95+VAT an hour*
Security from £15.95+VAT an hour*
29 November 2024
Holidays are filled with great excitement and joy as family and friends come together for the festivities. However, this is also a period when crime rates go up as robbers are looking to cash in on the activities. Becoming aware and taking the necessary precautions can go a long way in ensuring you remain safe. One of the strategies that could increase safety is understanding how security guards reduce crime in UK. In this blog, we will address the 10 most common crimes that occur during the Christmas season and provide tips you can use to prevent being a target.
One of the most popular crimes that you may encounter in the Christmas season is pickpocketing. Large crowds mean big chances for pickpockets so it is important to be vigilant to avoid being a target of their schemes. People carry extra money, credit cards, and gifts to holiday markets or shops, allowing thieves to seize the opportunity.
Always ensure that your valuables are secured and do not show off valuable items such as expensive phones and jewellery. Use zip-top bags and keep them close to the body.
While a family is celebrating the festive season outside their homes, burglars target such houses. Consider installing security cameras and sensors. When leaving for vacation, request a neighbor to keep watch over your house.
With Christmas comes the idea of giving gifts and thanks to online shopping platforms, it is very easy to carry out the task of buying gifts. This is exactly what scammers are aware of and so many fake websites and phishing emails exist out there, taking advantage of this. Always make sure you buy from trusted sources that have safe payment methods. If you ever get an email with a picture advertising a service or product at a surprisingly low price, don’t click it.
Often during holidays, people attend parties and many of them consume alcohol which can be dangerous when driving. Such incidents are frequent at this time of the year. Choose public transport or a cab, or ask a sober friend to drive you home.
Increased stealing activity is reported in retail shops during the holiday period, especially when the shops are busy. As many customers crowd the shops, thieves can try to steal items unnoticed or hide them in their bags. Store owners should take such risks seriously and engage a professional event security UK company to prevent and even manage such issues. Trained security personnel can monitor the shoppers’ movements and prevent disorder.
People may buy counterfeit goods, especially when they are in pop-up markets or online ads where such things are highly promoted as luxury goods. Although the price might be very appealing to some people, the truth is that such goods are of very poor quality and also, illegal. When shopping online, only buy from reputable sources, and always check to make sure that what you are buying is not a counterfeit product.
During Christmas time, the spirit of giving is quite strong, and people who are normally hesitant to donate choose to contribute to various charitable causes. Regrettably, several organizations pretend to be real ones and take advantage of this generosity. Always check up on the charity to make sure that you are dealing with one that is recognized and has the proper registration papers.
Since packages are usually left on doors, they provide an easy target for criminals. If it is possible to do so, order packages when there is someone who can receive them, and choose convenient locker services provided by different courier companies.
After enjoying the festive occasions for several hours and coming back home late during the night, one becomes an easy target for such street robberies. Do not wander in areas that are poorly lit. If traveling alone is not necessary, it is best to go in a group.
With holiday parties such as those for Christmas and New Year, there is a large demand for tickets. Victims are often left out of the event with no refunds for the fake tickets sold to them by the scammers. Ensure that the ticket is bought from a legitimate site, preferably, the event’s main website.
Late shopping trips to secluded places are not advisable. Therefore, it is best to remain in busy areas, preferably during the day.
Do remember to switch on the lights and set security alerts for home invasions. In addition, when you leave the house, ensure all doors and windows are secured.
Make sure to check if the charity is legitimate by looking for the registration number as well as online reviews before donating.
Monitor your accounts, especially soon after making an online purchase.
It is recommended that you walk in a group while going out at night as it also helps to prevent potential threats from criminals.
You must have local police and emergency contact numbers in case of emergencies.
If you are planning an event, do note that security staff should be professionally hired especially in crime areas in England and Wales, where a professional security presence such as Leisure Guard Security UK is required during the season.
Christmas season is a great occasion to build up memories with family and friends. As you enjoy during the festive season, remaining alert and adopting safety precautions can assist you in keeping off possible threats. By following these tips, you can enjoy the festivities to the fullest which is what this time of the year is all about.