We can’t believe it! Another year has zoomed by and now we’re only ten days away from Christmas. It’s the time to be merry and we’ve come up with nine helpful hints and tips to make sure that nothing spoils your festive season.

1. Watch out for credit card fraud
Best to keep an eye on your cards when you’re making purchases this Christmas. Never write down your personal PIN and take extra care when you’re using a cashpoint or chip and pin. Avoid prying eyes by covering the keypad with your hand. Making a transaction on the phone? Have you instigated the call and know the company you are buying from? If you’re shopping online to avoid the hustle and bustle of your local shopping centre, ensure your anti-virus software is up to date on your computer. Double check online shopping sites are secure, they will have a locked padlock symbol or key in the browser window.

2. Don’t be in too much of a spin after work’s Christmas do
Muggings are more likely to happen in quiet or dark areas. If you’re had one too many after any parties this Christmas, try not to walk home alone. Stick to familiar main streets that are well lit. A friend or family should always know where you’re going. Don’t put yourself in danger – if someone does try to take your possessions from you by force it may be best to give it to them. But don’t let the thief get away with it! Call 999 straight away and report the crime to police.

3. Watch your pockets as you shop
The streets and shops will be jam packed with people in the lead up to Christmas and it can make it very easy for pickpockets to steal from your bag without being noticed. If you’re carrying a bag, you’ll want to close it properly and keep your valuables at the bottom. Your wallet or phone will be particularly attractive to thieves and can be easily stolen from your back pockets. Your phone might not even be completely safe when you’re holding it in your hand so be aware.

4. Are you sure that watch is real?
If you’re offered a ‘bargain’ in your local café or pub this Christmas, and it seems like it’s too good to be true, it probably is, seriously. Don’t create a market for burglars! Buying stolen goods is a crime and ignorance is not a guaranteed defence. You could even face a prison sentence of up to 14 years if you’re found handling stolen goods.

5. If it isn’t real it’s just a piece of paper
In 2013, worthless counterfeit banknotes with a notional value of £11.6 million were removed from the UK’s streets. Incidents in various parts of the UK have seen retailers conned out of thousands of pounds. Even schools, charities and the elderly aren’t safe from fake-money scams where fraudsters pay for low value items with big fake notes and get genuine money as change. Help stop this happening again by checking the authenticity of your banknotes. Feel the paper – does it feel right? Is the print raised? Don’t just rely on the watermark – look for the foil features and metallic threads too. They should all be there if it’s the real deal!

6. Is that car of yours secure?
Better keep those valuables out of sight and take them with you when you leave your car. Ever left the motor running to defrost the windows on a frosty morning? Don’t be tempted to leave your car unattended on the street or your drive. Remember to take the keys in the ignition when you’re away from the car, even if you’re only going for a second. Make sure everything is insured so you are covered – it’ll give you peace of mind. Always lock your doors and check one last time that your car is completely secure before you leave it.

7. Burglars love those presents under the Christmas tree
Everyone knows there’ll be plenty of expensive presents wrapped up under Christmas trees all over the UK this festive season. You could be targeted by burglars when you’re away from home and even when you’re in if you’re distracted or asleep. Make sure you keep your home secure. A great way to make it look like someone’s in is to leave lights or the radio on while you’re away from home. Better check all windows, doors and side gates are closed and locked. Accessible windows shouldn’t be open at night.

8. Don’t drink and drive
The drink drive limit in England and Wales is about one and a half pints of beer for a man or three glasses of wine, to be exact it’s 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood, in Scotland it’s even lower. In the end it all depends on age, weight, gender and metabolism and shouldn’t be treated as a safe guide. If you’re not sure, don’t drink any alcohol before driving.

9. Have fun!
Don’t let anything get in the way of you having fun this Christmas. From everyone at Crimestoppers have a very Merry Christmas!