Police Scotland Festive Safety Tips

Police Scotland have released a list of safety tips for over the festive period, detailing how to stay safe in the home, at parties, on the road and in busy retail environments, as detailed below:

Keep Safe

• Shop safe, be alert at ATMs and look after your bags.
• Be careful online, use a secure browser and only insert card details if the padlock icon is visible.
• Plan your nights out, stick with friends and know how you’re getting home.
• Secure your home, keep cash at home to a minimum and gifts out of view.
• Be aware of changing road conditions, in severe weather increase your stopping distances.

Shop Safety

• Stay alert while using cash machines, and don’t leave your shopping bags unattended.
• Park in a busy, well-lit area, keep presents out of sight.
• When online shopping, make sure your web browser and internet security is up to date.
• Be cautious of e-mails advertising a win or discounts.
• Be aware of fake products.

Home Safety

• Keep your home secure: lock all windows and doors, set your house alarm and switch on your timer lights.
• Don’t leave gifts in view of the windows, and keep cash in your home to a minimum.
• If you’re going away for Christmas, don’t advertise it on social media. Ask a neighbour or friend to keep an eye on your property while you’re away.
• If you’re having a house party with lots of guests, make sure you know who everyone is.

Party Safety

• Plan your Christmas night out- stick with friends, charge your mobile and remember to take it with you.
• Think about how you’ll get home. Book a taxi from a licensed company, or arrange for a family or a friend to pick you up.
• Drink responsibility and don’t leave drinks unattended.
• Don’t do drugs – there is no safe way of taking drugs.
• Avoid confrontations, and just walk away. Be aware that “One punch can ruin two lives.”

Road Safety

• Ensure your car is winter ready: are your tyres, brakes, windscreens, wiper blades and windows free from defects and clean?
• Be aware of changing road conditions. In severe weather increase stopping distances.
• Drive too fast and you’ll put yourself and others at risk.
• Don’t use a mobile phone or any device which could distract you while driving.
• Drink driving – don’t risk it.