Safer Summer

As we hopefully enjoy some brighter days over the summer and many of you will be jetting off on holidays, we’d like to remind residents of simple crime prevention tips and safety advice to help you have a #SaferSummer.

Summer events

 

Keeping your property secure

Sunny days can prove a fruitful time for opportunistic burglars, as they look to prey on easy targets.

So while you’re enjoying the summer weather, please remember these simple tips to keep your home and belongings safe:

• Never leave your front door unlocked. Don’t leave windows open in unoccupied rooms, especially in those which are easily accessed from public areas.
• Don’t leave valuables on show – a burglar likes to know that entering will be worthwhile.
• When sorting the garden ready for the summer, don’t leave your equipment out when you are inside or aren’t at home – lock it up securely.
• If you’re going on holiday and planning to post on social media, ensure your posts aren’t public. You may be advertising that your home is empty. Also set your burglar alarm if you have one and consider setting lights and/or a radio on a timer.

More information on protecting your home from crime

Summer nights

Off to the local or hitting the town? Make sure your night out is memorable for all the right reasons.

• Bars won’t serve anyone who is excessively drunk. You could be kicked out and they could lose their licence, so pace yourself.
• Stick with your mates and try not to wander off alone.
• Plan your journey home and only use trusted and local taxi firms.
• Never drink and drive.

If you’re visiting either Cardiff or Swansea city centres, both have safety initiatives operating on certain days where officers, volunteers and partners are on-hand to help anyone who finds themselves in a vulnerable position. Click here for more information about the Safety Buses in Cardiff and the Help Point in Swansea.

Anti-social behaviour 

Anti-social behaviour is not a low-level crime. It devastates communities and has a profound impact on victims.

Everyone can be impacted by ASB – and everyone can play a role in tackling it too.

Find out what antisocial behaviour is and what you can do about it

If you are affected by ASB, please report it to the right organisation. More information here.

A variety of issues – such as a vehicle causing a nuisance, someone causing a disturbance, or an abandoned vehicle – can all be reported here. 

Or report anonymously via Crimestoppers. 

Related: 

Operation Adriatic recommences to combat anti-social behaviour at the beachfront

Water safety

We all love to be beside the seaside or splashing about in a pool when the sun finally graces us with its presence, but ensuring our safety and that of our children whilst in or near the water is vital.

That’s why we support partners such as the RNLI and the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) and their annual water safety campaigns.

Drowning Prevention Week runs from June 15-22 and the RLSS UK have a wealth of educational resources available to families and schools. The RNLI also have resources available to support their Float To Live awareness campaign, which provides practical advice on what to do if you find yourself in trouble in the water.

We highly recommend everyone takes the time to check out both websites.

Animal welfare

It can quickly get unbearably hot in a car, even when the weather doesn't feel that warm. This is why you should never keep your child, dog, or other pet in a vehicle, even for a few moments. And it doesn't matter if the vehicle is parked in the shade or with the windows open.

Sound advice on protecting dogs during hot weather can be found on the RSPCA website.

Further information regarding dangerous dog legislation and responsible pet ownership can be found here.

Who to contact  Have an issue but not sure who to turn to? While we’re here to help keep our communities safe, sometimes a partner agency such as your local council or the NHS is better placed to help you.  Trying to ensure you contact the right service will not only save you time, but it also helps us ensure our control room team are available to assist those most in need of the police. The handy graphic above, and this page of information, should help you make more informed decisions. If it is us that you need, did you know there a range of ways you can contact us? For non-emergency matters, you can speak to us via Live Chat, various online form options and via email. Further details here. In an emergency, always dial 999. If it’s an update that you’re after, you can request one in relation to a number of matters here.