AS Christmas approaches, opportunistic thieves are preparing to take advantage of the fact that people are busy getting ready for the festive period and may not be as security conscious as usual.

Becoming the victim of a crime over the holiday period could ruin what should be a happy time, but there are a lot of common sense precautions residents can take to protect themselves.

Home Security Make the house look occupied by using timers to turn on lights when it gets dark. Also use timers to turn on the radio, and tune it to a talk station.

And lock all doors and windows and set the alarm when going out, even if it is only for a few minutes.

If going away, cancel the milk and any paid-for newspapers and ask a trusted neighbour to pick up post and free newspapers.

Vehicle crime Never leave presents – or other valuables – in an unattended vehicle. Don’t take shopping bags back to the car and then carry on shopping in case thieves are watching.

Be careful with car keys, as well as items like mobile phones and wallets, when at parties, clubs and pubs. Don’t leave them in the pocket of an unattended coat or visible in an open handbag.

Personal safety Don’t walk home alone late at night. Stay with friends and make plans before going out for getting home – arrange a lift or book a taxi. And drink in moderation as being completely drunk makes a person more vulnerable to having an accident, getting into trouble or being assaulted, including sexually assaulted.

Drink driving Never drink and drive, or be tempted to get a lift with a driver who has been drinking – it is simply not worth the risk.

On behalf of the officers and staff of Kidderminster, Stourport and Bewdley Police Stations, may I wish all readers best wishes for a happy and safe Christmas and New Year.

CHIEF INSPECTOR JIM BAKER, Kidderminster Police