P252 CEEFAX 252 Sun 22 Dec 22:09/01 1/4 ! "£ CHRISTMAS BONANZA FOR THIEVES It might be the season of goodwill but festive-season thieves are netting a huge haul this Christmas. Gifts, handbags and coats are all at risk as thieves descend on everything from shops, restaraunts and pubs to cars and office parties. The obvious solution is vigilance over the Christmas period and there are several guidelines to follow. MoreP252 CEEFAX 252 Sun 22 Dec 22:14/22 2/4 ! "£ CHRISTMAS BONANZA FOR THIEVES * Don't leave handbags on the floor or over chairs in restaraunts: a favourite trick is to drop a coat on a victim's bag, which the thief then retrieves. Others use their legs, or hooks, to pull bags from under chairs and tables. * Coats too are at risk in restaurants. Unless they are attended, try to keep them with you or, at least, well in view. It is surprising the number of people who fail to notice someone else wearing their coat! MoreP252 CEEFAX 252 Sun 22 Dec 22:41/41 3/4 ! "£ CHRISTMAS BONANZA FOR THIEVES * When signing cheques wedge briefcases or bags firmly between your feet if you must put them down. * Always keep credit cards and cheque books separately and, if possible, photocopy documents in case of trouble. * It sounds obvious, but NEVER leave a wallet bulging out of a back pocket, or a purse in an open bag — it takes just seconds for a pickpocket to lift them. MoreP252 CEEFAX 252 Sun 22 Dec 22:41/19 4/4 ! "£ CHRISTMAS BONANZA FOR THIEVES * Christmas parties are ripe pickings for any thief. Beware of having "open house" and try to make sure you know all the guests. Don't leave doors on the latch, as party sounds might tempt any "opportunist" thieves who might be passing. * Another prime target is an empty office. Desk-top computers, shopping and wallets are all at risk, so, if you must leave the office, make sure that any valuables are locked away. More