Police in York have created a Christmas crime prevention menu to help leave festive criminals feeding off crumbs.

http://tinyurl.com/Xmas-crime-advice

Officers have put the menu together to help keep shoppers and retail premises safe from thieves during the busy period in the run up to Christmas.

Safer Neighbourhood Teams are conducting high-visibility patrols at the Clifton Moor and Monks Cross retail parks throughout December to provide reassurance to shoppers and retailers and to act as a deterrent to potential thieves.

Officers will also be handing out copies of the Christmas crime prevention menu to members of the public, which features tips on keeping vehicles, homes and personal property safe from thieves.
A new radio network CMAC (Clifton Moor Against Crime) is also in operation, which is a valuable tool in warning shops about the presence of thieves and allows greater two-way communication between retailers and the police.

In addition, police have been handing leaflets to shop staff offering tips on combating criminals this Christmas.

PSCO Tom Laurie, of York police, said: “It is really important that people are aware that thieves are very active at this time of year as they know that shoppers are out purchasing expensive gifts.
“By offering a presence at retail parks and giving people advice, hopefully we can get the message across that personal security is vital when shopping in busy areas and help prevent someone’s Christmas being spoilt by an opportunist thief.

“Thieves are on the look out for unlocked vehicles, open handbags, unattended shopping and insecure homes, so please don’t make life easy for them and remain vigilant at all times.”

If you spot any suspicious activity over the festive season contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 – select option 2 – and pass information to the Force Control Room.

If you wish to remain anonymous, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.