In the weeks running up to Christmas, Merseyside Police is issuing crime prevention and safety advice as part of the Winter of Action.
Karl Baldwin, Local Policing Superintendent for Knowsley, has specific advice and guidance for the borough’s residents:
“I know people are incredibly busy at this time of year with long lists of things to remember already, but there are just a few crime prevention pieces of information I’d really like the Knowsley community to try and keep in mind.
“Parcel thefts are still a real issue, both on the doorstep and from delivery vans. If you’re expecting deliveries, please make sure that once you know who your parcel is being delivered by, you designate a safe place for it to be left. That safe place should, ideally, be in a parcel locker, but if you don’t have one try a neighbour who you know is going to be in, or at least in a location that is completely out of sight.
“If you’re working as a delivery driver, please be extra vigilant. Even if you’re only jumping out of the van to a door that’s in sight, lock it behind you. If you’ve been followed by parcel-thieves, they’ll have been waiting, and those few seconds will be all they need. Lock it every time.
“I’d advise people to be mindful of how they dispose of their packaging for big-ticket purchases. For example, if you’ve bought a new TV, break down the packaging as much as you can and dispose of it out of sight so anyone looking out for a high-value burglary target won’t be alerted.
“I’ve spoken before about the risk of buying electric bikes for young people for Christmas, and how essential it is to check that they’re road legal. My big ask would be though, if you are going to make that investment, please buy a tracker, too. I’ve seen how upsetting it is for families when a brand-new bike gets taken and we’re unable to trace it. The chance of us being able to recover it, should it get stolen, goes up significantly if it’s got a tracker.
“We’ll be keeping up the pressure on criminals right up to Christmas and beyond as our Winter of Action continues. As always though, the more you report, the more we can do. So, if you know something – tell us.
“I’d like to wish everyone in Knowsley a peaceful and happy Christmas.”
Merseyside Police are asking anyone with information about illegal activity to report to them by phone on 101, or online to the Force Contact Centre @MerPolCC Facebook or Twitter accounts.