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November 24, 2023
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5 ways to give the gift of safety during the holiday season

5 ways to give the gift of safety during the holiday season

Whether you’re buying, giving or receiving gifts, it’s important to be vigilant about safety. Always keep presents and their packaging out of sight so you can truly enjoy the spirit of gift-giving.

'Tis the season of giving, but let's not forget about the gift of safety! As the holiday spirit fills the air, so does the need to protect ourselves and our loved ones from potential grinches. Here we're unwrapping the our top 5 secrets to a crime-free Christmas.

1. Out of sight, out of mind:

Your car may be a sleigh full of treasures, but it's crucial to keep them out of sight. When out shopping, don’t tempt fate. Stash your purchases in the boot, where they can’t be seen and be careful no-one is watching you do it.

2. Click safely, gift securely:

Online shopping is a convenient sleigh ride straight to your doorstep, but it pays to be vigilant. Adopt smart habits when you shop online. Only use trusted retailers, you've shopped with previously, use a secure payment method such as PayPal and make sure the site is genuine and secure.

Read more about shopping online safely.

3. Deliver smiles, not risks:

Deliveries left on your doorstep can be a beacon for holiday thieves. Choose the safer route by having parcels delivered to your closest Australia Post or Amazon parcel locker, to your workplace or to a trusted neighbour or family member who’s usually at home.

Learn more ways to protect your deliveries.

4. Shred the wrapping, foil the thieves:

Big-ticket items like TVs, computers, PlayStations and cameras are like the crown jewels of holiday gifts. Don't let the packaging and boxes be a giveaway! Shred it, cut it up and dispose of it discreetly in your waste and recycling bins. That way you’ll keep the surprise under wraps.

5. Share festive spirit, not your pressies:

Popping your pressies under the tree? Avoid tempting potential thieves, by making sure your gifts can’t be seen from outside. Close curtains and blinds or place your tree away from windows and glass sliding doors.

Get more tips on festive season safety.

Get Police Assistance

For all emergencies and immediate Police assistance
Call: 000
To report non-urgent crimes or events 24 hours a day
Call: 131 444
To report information about a crime contact Crime Stoppers on
1800 333 000

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Neighbourhood Watch Victoria acknowledges the 38 mobs, the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we operate, live, and gather as employees and volunteers. We recognise their continuing connection to land, water and community and pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging.

At Neighbourhood Watch, we believe everyone has the right to feel safe and welcome. We are committed to ensuring diversity, inclusion and equity are embedded throughout our organisation – in the work we do, the services we deliver and among our staff, volunteers, and the communities we work with.

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