Hull in print

Crime in Hull has fallen by almost a quarter since 2004 - house burglaries have dropped by 41 per cent and vehicle theft has fallen 52 per cent.
However, during the festive season we always need to take extra care to make sure Christmas is not ruined by crime.
"There are still far too many crimes committed in the city – and, especially at Christmas time, we need to be extra vigilant," says Hull Citysafe crime prevention officer PC Trevor Waudby.
"Opportunist thieves will specifically target homes and vehicles in the weeks before and during Christmas.
"These thieves have quite a nerve and can be in and out of a house very quickly – even when the occupants are at home.
"Often they will take keys to the doors of the house allowing them to return later and burgle the house again.
If car keys are taken, then it is likely the car will be taken as well.
"This type of crime causes a great amount of trauma which can often be avoided."

Trev's top tips

Ensure there are adequate locks on all windows and external doors.
Keep windows and external doors locked even when you are at home (but make sure you have the keys to hand in case of a emergency).
Don't leave Christmas presents and items of value where they can be seen by passers-by glancing through your window from the street. Move them to another room, where they cannot tempt burglars.
Install a house alarm.
Consider leaving lights on if the house is going to be unoccupied at night.
Fit outside lighting which is activated by a movement sensor. Burglars don't like to be seen.
When going to bed at night, take house and car keys upstairs.
After presents are unwrapped, make sure gift boxes are not left outside your home as it is an advertisement to thieves as to what they can get their hands on if they break into your home. Also having access to the boxes would make it easier for them to sell the items.

Prevent vehicle crime

Don't leave Christmas presents, satellite navigation systems and bags of shopping on display inside cars.
If you have to leave items in the car make sure you put them in the boot. Consider emptying the glove box and leaving it open so that it can be seen to be empty.
Always wipe the inside of the windscreen to remove the ring left by the suction cup of the satellite navigation system mounting.
Use car parks or on-street parking in busy areas and at night park in well-lit areas.
Get a steering wheel lock.
When leaving a vehicle, even for a short period such as when at a filling station, always remove the keys and lock the vehicle.

Think of crime when Christmas shopping

If you're stuck for gift ideas this Christmas, then why not buy crime-reduction equipment such as an alarm, door-chain, or even a shredder (which can help prevent identity fraud by destroying letters and documents before they are thrown in the bin).
"When you're out actually doing your shopping don't fall prey to pickpockets around busy shopping centres," says Trevor.
"Keep wallets and purses out of their reach, and at cash points, always look out for who is around you.
"Often it's safer to get cash back from a supermarket, high street bank or shopping centre during the day, ready for your night out, than at cash machines on a dark street."

Advice for students

"Many students will be going home for the festive season and should not leave valuable items such as lap tops in their accommodation," says Trevor.
"They should take home as much personal and academic property as possible.
"And if student accommodation is left empty, please ensure all doors and windows have adequate locks and use them.
"If an alarm is fitted in the property make sure it is set.
It's also a good idea to use a property marking system such as a UV marker pen or Smartwater to mark items of value."

Don't have nightmares

Trevor's final message is simple:
"Remember that crime is falling in Hull, thanks to partnerships between the council and police such as Hull Citysafe.
"And if more of us take simple crime-prevention steps we can further reduce crime – and possibly avoid a great deal of misery for ourselves and our families.
"So here's to a crime-free Christmas!"


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