12 days until Christmas – don’t become a victim of burglary this winter

Christmas is a busy time of year for everyone, but ensuring your home is properly protected against festive crime should be made a priority.

“Having bought all those wonderful presents, don't make it easy for someone to steal them from your home.

“Keep presents out of sight until last thing on Christmas Eve and if you 'hide' or store larger items such as bicycles in the shed or outbuildings, make sure they are very secure.

“Don't leave curtains open so people can see your decorations as potential thieves can see in. Be extra careful about locking doors and windows. As a fire precaution, don't leave Christmas lights on in the house while you are out.

“If you go out for the evening, make it look like someone is at home by turning on lights and the radio. If you go away for the holiday period - use an automatic timer for lights and ask a trusted neighbour to watch your home.

“If you have high value presents like a new laptop, mobile phone or games console, please dispose of the packaging with care. Just leaving it next to the bin with the other rubbish will advertise what you have inside your home for all to see. Fold it up and put it in the bin or take it to the recycling centre”.

Consider property marking high value items with your postcode and house number. This will put a thief off as the property can be easily identified as stolen, and if it is stolen, this will assist the police in getting your property back to you. Also, keep a record of the serial numbers of expensive items.

 

Good News – Offenders arrested, vehicles and dogs seized in relation to Hunting Offences.

Following a report on Sunday 4^th December of an Isuzu vehicle seen driving through farmers fields near Britwell Hill, Watlington, the police helicopter was deployed and located the vehicle then monitored it while police cars moved in. Two offenders were arrested in connection with hunting offences, the vehicle and dogs involved were seized.

The same day at approx 13:36hrs a call was received from two members of the public and a farm owner who saw a number of males who released dogs in a field at Letcombe Bassett, Wantage. The dogs were seen chasing rabbits/hares. The police attended and arrested the offenders, the vehicle and dogs were seized.

The police would like to thank landowners and members of the public for reporting the incidents quickly and providing precise details of the locations. This allowed the police to attend quickly and make arrests.

Christmas cheer.

Well Christmas is almost upon us and it’s time to get out and enjoy ourselves.

There’s the office party, lunchtime drinks, family get together’s the “go on have one it’s Christmas” scenario etc etc.

Over the years I’ve been asked “how much can I drink before I’m over the limit” by people wanting to go out and drive.

Well, that all depends on, your tolerance to alcohol, what you have eaten, alcohol already in your system, your body’s metabolism and a lot more factors to numerous to mention.

In short there is no answer; the only sure way is to let someone else drive. 

The police are always about this time of year looking for drink drivers, not just after the pubs close but also lunchtime and first thing in the morning. You would be surprised how many people think they are fine after a night out, three hours sleep then out driving to work.

Have a good time but remember a little forethought could save a lot of heartache later.

Rogue Traders – South Oxfordshire

There are reports of a company offering to do work on driveways and patios in the South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse area. The company is reported to post a card through your door and when asked to do some work they turn up, provide no paperwork, will possibly ask for cash and the work carried out is not of an acceptable standard. When challenged, some of these traders can become very abusive.

The advice from Trading Standards is NOT to deal with cold callers and to be very careful who you ask to carry out any work.

Please be extra vigilant and keep a look out for any elderly or vulnerable neighbours.