THE Partnership’s Christmas campaign ‘Freeze Out Crime This Christmas’ continues, reminding residents how they can keep their possessions safe over the Christmas period.

It’s an expensive time of year, but crime 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. Don’t forget – never leave your keys in the ignition and the car unattended, even for a short time.

The Community Safety team were out and about at the beginning of the month in Stourport and Kidderminster. A lot of people came over to chat and take advantage of the free purse bells (to deter purse dippers), personal alarms and security advice on offer. A local resident advised us that a caller (without identification) was going door to door trying to sell branded goods, which were unlikely to be genuine. Thankfully, she did not let him in and reported the incident to the police.

The Crime Risk Advisor at the police gave the following advice.

When answering the door, use a chain, intercom or door viewer. You do not have to open the door if you don’t want to. People selling door to door need a pedlars certificate and if somebody calls uninvited selling goods, you can ask to see their pedlars certificate. If it sounds too good to be true it usually is. If you need any work done, use the Worcestershire County Council approved trader scheme (Trader Register) 01905 765394 e-mail: tradingstandards@worcestershire.gov.uk or recommendations from friends and family.

Bogus callers often claim to be from a utility company such as the ‘water board’ which no longer exists, or the council and insist on coming inside to check something out. Don’t let them in and call the police immediately on 101.

Callers from utility companies, the council etc will always have an identity card. We would urge everyone to check it carefully and not to give out any personal information or bank details.

You could sign up to the password system operated by most utility companies. Get the number from the phone book to check their identity rather than use the number they give you – it could turn out to be a friend around the corner!

Wyre Forest is a low crime area and we hope everyone enjoys the festive season and has a happy and safe New Year.

HELEN DYKE chairman