Waikato Police say a KISS is the secret to keeping you and your property safe this Christmas and over the summer holidays.
District Prevention Manager, Inspector Kent Holdsworth, at no time was the adage; “Keep It Simple for Santa,” more apt than at this time of year where some really basic steps can prevent a tragedy.
“The methodology applies when you are out celebrating in bars, doing the Christmas shopping and parking your car, heading off from home to the beach or driving on busy roads.
“In terms of going out and having a good time, make a simple plan and stick to it. Make sure if you’re in a group you all come back together. Have a meal and some non-alcoholic drinks, watch your drinks and save that last $20 for a taxi or better still travel home with a designated safe driver.”
Mr Holdsworth said for those braving the stress of Christmas shopping don’t be lulled into a false sense of security unless you want to be buying presents for opportunist thieves.
“With only nine sleeps to go till the man in the big red suit arrives, crowds at shopping malls are busy and car-parks are a favourite hunting ground for thieves eager to steal what you’ve just paid for.
“Our message is lock items away to avoid losing them and to assist in that message our Prevention staff are handing out yellow cars that read; ‘All valuables have been removed from this vehicle.’ We want to prevent people falling victims to thieves and to that end we also encourage people to park off the road where ever possible, preferably in a garage or if one is not available, in a well lit area.”
Mr Holdsworth said where it is not possible to remove valuables from your vehicle Police ask that you secure them out of sight no matter where you are.
“The message is the same if you’re in a supermarket car-park or you’ve parked your car at a beach in the Coromandel or Raglan.
“On the travelling theme we really want to encourage people to plan their trips this summer. In the Coromandel the population swells from about 15,000 to 130,000 people all using the same winding rural roading network so plan for delays and check your speed, you need to be able to react to what the ‘other guy’ might do.”
Mr Holdsworth said the message is the same for those heading to the west coast beaches.
“Police will be doing our part by maintaining a visible presence out there on the roads but the public have a role to play as well. So check your speed, keep to the left, avoid driving tired, allow yourself plenty of time to get there, don’t drink and drive and have a good time.
“But before you head off on holiday we ask you take a few simple steps to keep your home safe. Have someone check your home, clear the mail and consider getting time regulated lights. Don’t leave boxes or expensive items out on the street and avoid social media posts that you’re going away. While your friends may be jealous opportunistic thieves might be delighted to hear such news.”
Mr Holdsworth said while Christmas is a time to celebrate friends and family Police often had to deal with people for who things have just become all too much.
“There are a number of reasons why we experience a seasonal increase in Domestic Violence. Sometimes it’s people not being used to living on top of one another or because we’re drinking more than we’re used to.
“Christmas is also a time where budgets are under a lot of strain with kids on holiday wanting to do things, more money being spent on entertainment and the dreaded credit card bill coming in. If it all gets too much Police urge people to take time out from one another and to ask someone for help.”
And if this doesn’t work, Mr Holdsworth said you need to contact one of the several support agencies who deal with Domestic Violence or ring 111.
“Another are where people need to be vigilant is in securing your contact-less credit and debit cards. Currently fraud complaints related to these cards are the second most common offence Waikato Police are made aware of and often victims lose their cards while out socialising.
“Thieves will steal the cards and on average make 4-5 purchases before the victim realises what’s happened so protect your card and don’t leave handbags or wallets lying around to be taken. If you find your card is missing contact your bank and Police immediately.”
Mr Holdsworth said Christmas is all about celebrating but urged the public to ensure this festive season is one to remember, not one to regret.
Additional information
There are a number of agencies available to assist people at risk of domestic violence and some advice Police ask the public to consider includes;
1. Watch your spending, over-spending often leads to pressure when the bills mount up
2. Take time out, sometimes with all the family in each other’s hair it's necessary to take a breather
3. Set a budget and stick to it- a key factor in making it through the summer
4. Ease up on the alcohol, alcohol is a major contributing factor to violence, pace yourself- don't blow your cool and look like a fool
5. Don't spend all your time on top of one another- plan activities that give you breathing space and identify areas or issues likely to cause pressure
6. Seek advice- various agencies offer assistance on relationships, budgeting and managing stress, take advantage of them
7. Any person being subject to, or living in fear of domestic violence should contact Police. Alternatively they can also call Women’s Refuge: (07) 8551569 or 0800 REFUGE (733 843) or the Are You OK Information Line: 0800 456 450. More information can be found at websites such as; www.areyouok.org.nz/, www.familyservices.govt.nz/directory/searchprovidepublic.htm , www.justice.govt.nz/courts/family-court/publications/pamphlets/domestic-violence-information-on-protection-orders
• For those seeking help in the Eastern Waikato (Thames, Coromandel, Hauraki, Matamata-Piako) call Te Whariki Manawahine O Hauraki/ Women's Refuge on 07 868 3132
• In Hamilton contact Te Whakaruruhau/ Women's Refuge on 07 855 1569
• In the South Western Waikato/ King Country (Waitomo, Waipa, Kawhia) contact the Waitomo-Waipa Women's refuge on 07 878 5081 or 0800 155799
• For those in the North Waikato (Huntly, Ngaruawahia and Te Kauwhata) contact Te Whakaruruhau on 07 855 1569.
If you are a victim of sexual assault or rape, in an emergency dial 111. Support is also available from the Rape and Sexual Abuse Healing Centre on 07 839 4433 or 0800 839 4433.
Male victims of sexual abuse are encouraged to contact the Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse Trust Waikato (MSSAT) on 0800 677 289. End
