Stay safe this winter
Although Kent is a safe place to live, crimes
do happen and there are some simple steps you can take to ensure
you and your family stay safe and also to reduce the risk of being
targeted by criminals.
Don't tempt thieves
When out doing your shopping.
- Zip up your bag so that purses and wallets cannot be seen and
easily taken.
- Don’t leave bags unattended in baskets, trolleys, pushchairs or
mobility scooters/wheelchairs.
- If you need to take shopping back to your car, put bags in the
boot - do not leave them on display.
At home.
- Keep expensive items out of sight and close curtains as soon as
it starts to get dark so people can't easily see in.
- Dispose of packaging carefully as empty boxes outside your home
advertise valuables to thieves.
- Take care when buying online - make sure you only use secure
websites for online payments.
- Lock doors and windows and avoid leaving bags and car keys near
windows.
- If you are going away, make sure you cancel milk, papers and
use a timer to switch lights and radios on and off
Stay safe on nights out
If you are going out this winter, have fun but don't forget that
alcohol makes you vulnerable and can impair your judgement.
Enjoy the party season but make sure you stay safe..
- Before you go on a night out, always make sure you've sorted
your lift home - don't leave it to chance.
- Walk away from any confrontations and don't use aggressive body
language or words.
- Walk in well lit areas.
- Lower the risk of drink spiking by keeping your drink in your
hand, do not leave your drink at any time. Put your thumb over the
opening if you are drinking from a bottle, keep an eye on your
friends' drinks, never accept a drink from anyone you do not know
and do not share or exchange drinks.
- Drink driving or driving under the influence of drugs is illegal
and can ruin your life and those of others. The only safe
limit is zero limit.
Driving in wintery conditions
You can avoid problems while travelling by following some simple
advice:
Always check the weather forecast and road conditions before you
travel ensuring you keep checking to stay up to
date.
- Be extra alert for hazards when visibility is poor.
- Slow down - when the roads are wet it can take twice as long to
stop your vehicle.
- Carry warm waterproof clothing, food, water and a torch in your
vehicle.
- Make sure you have plenty of fuel for your journey before you
set off.
You can find more information and advice on how to travel
safely and responsibly within our winter
driving section.
Out in wintery conditions
Be vigilant and make sure you can be seen by using lights or
wearing high visibility clothing. Poor weather conditions mean it
can be harder for drivers to see pedestrians and cyclists.
Look after vulnerable people
Check on elderly or vulnerable people to make sure they are safe
and well. If the roads are unsafe, don't travel to check on a
relative - ask a trusted neighbourhood if they can check in on
them.
Follow our stay warm, stay well
advice.