CRAVEN police are warning people to be vigilant over the Christmas and New Year festive holiday to ensure a safe and trouble free time for all.

Officers, police community support officers and volunteers from Craven Neighbourhood Policing Team will be on duty throughout the holiday, hosting drop-in sessions and carrying out high visibility patrols.

Police are also asking residents to play their part in keeping everyone safe by following simple crime prevention and home security advice, and also by checking on vulnerable neighbours, family and friends.

Inspector Lorraine Crossman-Smith, of Craven Neighbourhood Policing Team, urged people to take a few simple steps to protect themselves and property and to keep an eye out for the more vulnerable members of their communities.

“Neighbourhood policing is a key part of what we do at North Yorkshire Police. Having our dedicated officers, PCSOs and volunteers working in the heart of our communities helps us support and keep people safe all year round.”

And, she added, it was particularly important at this time of the year for those with little or no family support. “We will be working hard to keep vulnerable people safe, and I know that the local community will come together and support them too.”

She added: “I’d also like to emphasise the importance of keeping your home and property secure. This may not be the jolliest of Christmas messages, but it’s one that I would like everyone to follow. Spend a few minutes now checking your home security to reduce your risk. Being a victim of burglary can be devastating and have a life-long impact on individuals and whole families.

“The more people who take this advice on board, alongside our ongoing proactive policing operations to catch and disrupt offenders in our area, the safer we will become and actually feel in our own homes.”

People are urged to:

* Lock all windows and doors – it’s an obvious one, but worth reinforcing this most basic of crime prevention measures

* Always secure garages, outbuildings, sheds and gates

* Fit security lighting in the garden – remember, criminals hate being seen

* Keep Christmas presents, valuable items and car keys out of sight and out of reach

* Use timer switches to turn lights on while you are out – a well-lit home gives the impression that someone is in

* Don’t leave curtains closed during the day, only in the evening and overnight

* Contact your local officers to arrange ‘dot peen’ property marking free of charge. If items are lost or stolen, this helps the police identify its rightful owner and provide evidence vital in securing prosecutions

* Photograph those expensive gifts, and register them free of charge at: immobilise.com

* Always report suspicious activity to the police by calling 101 for non-emergencies

* In an emergency if a crime is in progress or you feel threatened, always dial 999

* If you would prefer to remain anonymous, you can still pass information about suspected crimes to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

For more information about home security and property marking, visit: northyorkshire.police.uk/homesecurity or contact your local Neighbourhood Policing Team on 101.