Published: Thursday, 5th December 2019
The Chase Community Safety Partnership is helping residents stay safe this Christmas with the launch of a new campaign ’12 days to a safer Christmas’.
The festive season can be a very busy time during which it’s easy to take your eye off the ball when it comes to crime prevention. The campaign will run from 5 December until 20 December and will remind people how to keep safe and within the law during the lead up to the festive period.
The Partnership will be delivering a series of crime prevention messages and useful tips through the use of posters, social media and online adverts. A different theme will be promoted on each day which will highlight community safety priorities over the festive season. The messages will be short and informative and include advice on online shopping, fire safety, counterfeit goods, drink and drug driving, purse dipping and many more.
As part of the campaign, the Partnership will be offering free purse bells which can be clipped to the zip on your purse or wallet. If someone tries to dip into your handbag the twin bells will jingle to alert you to any potential theft.
These charms are a simple but effective personal security item and are suitable for people of all ages. They are available from the Council’s Reception, Cannock Police Station, local charity shops and banks.
Kerry Wright, Partnerships, Community Safety & CCTV Manager at Cannock Chase Council said: “The aim of our campaign is not to try and spoil anyone’s enjoyment, but to encourage the public to be more aware of crime prevention by highlighting the types of incidents that are common at this time of year.
“Christmas is a time of celebration, but the highs can easily turn into lows. Unfortunately, some people take more risks leaving themselves vulnerable to becoming a victim or perpetrator of crime, including violence. For others, it may result in poor decisions, such as drink or drug driving, anti-social behavior or even serious assault.
“As a Partnership, we are urging everyone to have a fun but safe Christmas”.
Tony Shore, Trading Standards Manager at Staffordshire County Council said: “The build up to Christmas is one of the busiest times for shopping and we want to remind people of their rights and to be aware of potential pitfalls when they’re handing over their hard-earned cash.
“Unfortunately, shoppers (particularly online shoppers) are increasingly targeted by criminals and scammers and that’s why it is important people follow some simple safety tips when shopping. We want people to be able to shop with confidence and stay safe.”
Sgt Mark Burslem, Deputy Commander at Staffordshire Police said, “Staffordshire Police is committed to ensuring that everyone has a safe and enjoyable Christmas period. We are taking part in this campaign to raise awareness of issues that affect people over the Christmas period and would encourage people to use the information available to gain help where needed”.
For more information about this campaign visit www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk/12daysofchristmas