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 reduces your inhibitions, meaning you're more likely to do things you wouldn't normally.

• Before you go on a night out, always make sure you've sorted your lift home - don't leave it to chance and stick with your friends.
• 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 or trust and do not share or exchange drinks.
• Driving while drunk or under the influence of drugs is illegal and can ruin your life and those of others. The only way you can be sure your driving is not impaired by alcohol is to not drink any if you are driving.  The only safe limit is zero limit.  If you want to drink when you go out this Christmas and New Year, leave your car at home. Remember you might still be over the drink/drive limit the next day.

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.