Public urged to take simple steps to stay safe from crime this Christmas

Gardaí are urging people to take special care at this time of year when assaults increase by more than a third, compared to January or February.

Sgt Kelvin Courtney of the National Crime Prevention Office said people should be aware that more assaults occur at Christmas and take simple steps to stay safe.

Research shows a clear correlation between assaults and incidents of drunkenness and the peak time for assaults is weekend nights.

“I would encourage people to plan their nights out in advance, drink responsibly, avoid confrontation, and remember that most reported assaults tend to happen around pubs, clubs or town centres,” said Sgt Courtney.

Whatever the celebration, everyone should promote safe behaviour, he said.

Also in December, more car thefts occurred between 2pm and 9pm when most people are doing their Christmas shopping.

“Thieves take advantage of us at this time of year as they know we may be distracted,” said Sgt Courtney.

He urged people to avoid leaving Christmas shopping unattended in the car for long periods and to take care of their handbags, wallets, and mobile phones.

When out spending money people should be aware that thieves are out too looking for opportunities to commit crime.

Gardaí are also urging people not to leave friends or family to walk home alone — there is safety in numbers. Those having to walk home alone should make their way through well-lit areas and make sure that they can be seen by passing traffic.

Wallets should not be kept in back pockets and handbags should not be left open. Care should also be taken when storing coats and handbags in bars and restaurants, warned gardaí.

Gardaí are also urging people to lock their homes, leave the lights on, and set the alarm when going out or even staying in.

Presents should never be able to be seen from the outside.

In winter, burglaries increase by 25%, with more than 40% occurring between 5pm and 11pm.

Anybody going away over Christmas should avoid discussing it on social media and letting people know their home will be vacant.