Cambridge Christmas Parade – Deb Hann
Wasn’t the Christmas parade on Sunday fun? It was great to see so many of our community taking part and also lining the streets to watch, despite the rain.
It is a sign that December has definitely arrived. Now it is also time for some Christmas Crime Prevention reminders. Burglary prevention is first up.
Believe it or not, Christmas tree placement is a consideration. While it is lovely to put your tree in the window to twinkle to your neighbours, make sure that any presents placed underneath it cannot be seen from the road.
In previous years, burglars have ruined Christmas by stealing presents from under a tree. While the weather may be warmer, remain security conscious when it comes to leaving windows and doors open or unlocked while you are out in the garden. Leaving your garage door up for any period may help ventilation, but it also shows thieves all the goodies you have to steal and provides an opportunity for them to do so.
With an increase in courier deliveries at this time of year, it is also important to be vigilant about parcel security.
Consider where your parcels are left. When left within plain view of the road, there is a risk of opportunist thieves stealing them. Try to have packages delivered to your workplace during work hours. If they are being delivered to your home, make sure someone is there to receive them. If the latter isn’t possible and you won’t be home, give instructions for the courier to leave the package out of sight, for example around the back of your house.
On the topic of couriers, it is important to be vigilant around suspicious behaviour. We have previously had offenders tailing couriers and stealing the parcels they’ve just delivered. We can all help to prevent this by reporting any suspicious activity to 111 at the time it is happening. If you do become a victim of theft, report it as soon as it is discovered. Home CCTV is also great to have – as a deterrent and for evidence.
Finally, and as always, I recommend joining your local Neighbourhood Support Group to create connections with your neighbours, enable good communication about local topics and support of each other.
Visit www.safercambridge.co.nz for more information.
The last of my Christmas reminders today is around alcohol. Plan before you party, whether as a host or attendee. Ensure there is adequate food on offer around alcohol and look after your friends and family.
We want everyone to have a fun, social Christmas, but also a safe one.
Senior Constable Deb Hann leads the Cambridge Christmas Parade
