⚠️Stay alert and protect your valuables this Christmas in #StAlbans city centre

⚠️Stay alert and protect your valuables this Christmas in #StAlbans city centre

As the city gets busier getting to Christmas, residents and visitors are being reminded to stay vigilant and take simple steps to reduce the risk of distraction theft and burglaries.

✅ Keep your phone, wallet and cash secure in a zipped or buttoned pocket and close to your body.

✅ Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded places and when using ATMs/Car Park Pay Machine.

✅ Never leave your purse, wallet or handbag in a shopping trolley, buggy or mobility walker while shopping.

✅ Look out for elderly and vulnerable people who may be targeted by offenders.

✅ Avoid placing large amounts of cash or valuables on the passenger seat of your vehicle. Be extra cautious if approached by strangers after visiting a bank.

✅always lock your doors and windows every time you leave the house even for a short trip

✅keep car keys, wallet, cash and electronics out of sight from windows  

These are some of the top crime prevention tips from #StAlbans PCSO Richmond Appau, following a number of recent distraction thefts in the city centre:

🔹30 June – A man was distracted at Halifax and later received a notification that £500 had been withdrawn, with a further £100 taken inside the building society.

🔹24 June – An elderly woman had £300 stolen after withdrawing cash from Santander.

🔹4 June – An elderly man discovered his bag had been unzipped and his wallet stolen. His bank card was later used at Tesco.

The reason for this locations is that our known teenagers offenders and school children frequent these shops

🔹06 October - A man was distracted at the car park payment machine and had his bank card stolen. He later discovered that over £3000 had been spent in various shops.