CHRISTMAS may have come and gone, but we are still in the festive season and it seems like a good opportunity to give local residents a few timely security reminders from the Community Safety Partnership.

Have you heard the messages on 107.2 The Wyre radio, urging everyone to keep houses, vehicles and possessions safe over the festive period?

The Community Safety team were in the Swan Centre on December 3, giving out free purse bells (to deter purse dippers), personal alarms and security advice.

It was extremely cold, but we were amazed at the number of hardy shoppers that were out and about and we felt that the morning was well spent.

The festive season should be a happy time for all of us, but criminals view the holiday season differently.

The festive period can provide thieves with an ideal opportunity to steal gifts of small electronics, computers, jewellery and easily sold valuables, but prevention doesn’t have to cost money.

Closing windows, locking an external door while you are in, not leaving valuables on display and moving car keys so they can’t be fished though the letterbox, will all help.

Another thing residents can do is to get their property security marked.

To start the New Year, West Mercia Police are holding a property marking event on January 5 at 6pm at Birchen Coppice Primary School; you don’t need to bring your valuables, just a valid form of identification.

If your property is marked, there is more chance of it being returned to you, if it is stolen.

While the weather is so cold, it’s very tempting to leave the car running while you de-frost it – but remember, NEVER leave your keys in the ignition and the car unattended, even for a short time. It only takes a couple of minutes to lose one of your most expensive possessions.

Wyre Forest is a low-crime area and we hope these tips will help everyone to enjoy what is left of the festive season and have a happy and safe New Year.

HELEN DYKE Chairman, Wyre Forest Community Safety Partnership