Canterbury Police want everyone to be safe and feel safe this Christmas. The shopping malls are getting busier, schools are getting ready to close for the summer and there are only ten sleeps left until Christmas Day! In keeping with the countdown to Christmas Canterbury Police are starting a social media campaign highlighting ten tips, one each day, that can help to prevent you from becoming a victim of crime over the festive season.
Canterbury Police District Prevention Manager, Inspector Corrie Parnell, says the tips can keep members of our communities safe year-round but we have given them a festive theme in the lead up to Christmas Day. “All too often opportunistic crime can be prevented by taking simple steps such as parking in secure areas, locking valuables and shopping out of sight in car boots, locking doors and windows and setting house and vehicle alarms.”
“Everyone is busier in the lead up to the festive period and it is easy to take your eye off the ball. This is also a busy time for opportunistic criminals as they take advantage of shoppers being distracted, crowded shops, bags left open and unattended in bars, windows left open in warmer weather and vehicles left in insecure areas, often with their windows cracked open or the doors unlocked.”
“Christmas and the festive period should be a time for celebration. Unfortunately getting into the Christmas spirit by consuming excess alcohol and overspending causes stress in many relationships. Violence of any kind is never OK and violence will not solve problems. Reach out to support agencies, including refuges, for help over the festive period but in an emergency always call Police on 111.”
“For some businesses this week is the last working week for the year. Our tip today is to take it easy on the alcohol so you don't get yourself into trouble by taking the work celebrations to excess. If you’re putting on a shout for staff make sure that you provide food, non-alcoholic drink options and reward sober drivers or arrange hire a minibus and driver so that members of your team get home safely” explained Inspector Parnell.
“Police take an anytime anywhere approach on breath testing and anyone stopped by Police, no matter what the time of day or night, should expect to be breath tested. If you are planning on drinking alcohol don’t drive. Book a taxi, use public transport or nominate a sober driver instead.”
Alcohol is a major contributor to crimes such as violence, disorder and sexual assaults. In New Zealand around a third of all recorded offences are committed after the offender has consumed alcohol.
Make this festive season one that you remember for all the right reasons.
Inspector Parnell says at the top of every Police officer’s wish list is for a zero road toll and crime free Christmas and New Year.
Be a good mate, stop at merry and stay safe.
ENDS
Issued by: Lisa-Marie Brooks, District Communications Manager, Canterbury Police District