GMP takes on Twixmas

Greater Manchester Police will be spreading the Twixtmas cheer to communities during the festive holidays while suggesting things people can do to make their lives safer in time for the New Year.

A campaign has been set up to promote Twixtmas, a period when people are encouraged to do something life changing each day while they have a chance between the quiet period of Boxing Day and New Year.

Neighbourhood officers from across Greater Manchester have been out and about talking to members of the community, delivering hampers to victims of crime and vulnerable or older people and handing out Christmas presents to burglary victims. They will continue to be out and about on patrol over the holidays, offering advice to people on how to stay safe.

Assistant Chief Constable Zoe Sheard said: “This quiet time after Christmas is the perfect opportunity to safety proof homes and property in time for the new year. It’s also an ideal time to check in on older relatives or lonely neighbours and keep a watchful eye on each other’s homes and property if neighbours are away.

Some of the things you could do include:

• Download a tracking app for your phone or tablet, this could help to return your property safely if it was stolen
• Check your burglar alarm works and make sure all your windows are locked
• Register your new presents and property on www.immobilise.com
• Call in on an older neighbour or relative and keep an eye on their property to check it’s secure
• Buy light timers and set them up around your house to come on at different times in different rooms to make the house appear occupied whether you are home or not.

ACC Sheard added: “A few simple steps, put in place over Twixtmas, could prevent you from becoming a victim of crime in 2013 and you could do many of them from the comfort of your sofa.”