Lock it. Zip it. Keep it.

With the weather getting warmer and our costal communities and visitor attractions across the county getting busier, we have launched Operation Magpie, a new annual campaign for the spring and summer months to help communities steer clear of opportunistic crime.

The campaign is being launched as we head in to the Easter holidays to provide top tips on keeping your belongings safe, both out and about and at home.

Tackling opportunistic crime is a force-wide effort, and Operation Magpie is supported by activity from officers in our Neighbourhood Policing Teams, who work proactively each day with community groups, residents, businesses and licensed premises to provide advice on crime prevention measures, and prevent issues developing in their towns and villages.

You will see officers patrolling their communities at peak times as a deterrent to thieves who may try to take advantage of busy shopping centres, beach fronts, visitor attractions, and bars and restaurants. They are supported by our Response Officers, dog units, and tactical teams who respond swiftly to incidents and keep people safe.

Alongside this we will be sharing messaging on social media, online, and in local newspapers, as well as reaching out via the airwaves with key safety tips on the radio.  We are also encouraging people to follow our social media pages, where we will be posting advice throughout spring and summer.  

Operation Magpie asks people to follow the advice to lock it, zip it, keep it. Here's our top tips from the dedicated Crime Prevention Team:  

• Don’t make your home, holiday home or caravan a shop window. Don’t leave valuables in view, and lock windows and doors (even if you are home). 
• Do not keep large sums of cash at your property. If this is unavoidable, ensure it is locked away in a safe. 
• If you’re spending big on holiday, keep your receipts for goods. Insurance companies often won’t pay out without proof of purchase. 
• Be aware of who is around you at the cash machine. Cover the keypad with your hand before entering a pin. Put cash away immediately. 
• Secure gas bottles with padlocks if you are holidaying with a caravan.
• Always lock your vehicle and never leave anything on view, such as Sat Navs, wallets, presents, or cash.
• Keep wallets, purses and phones in a zipped pocket or bag, and not in your back pocket.
• When you get home, place your keys and wallets away from letterboxes, either in a drawer or upstairs. Use a Faraday bag to protect bank cards and electronic keys.
• Follow our tips to give yourself the best chance of If you come across anything suspicious, please contact 101 or 999 in an emergency. 
• Don’t leave handbags or other valuables unattended in bars, restaurants or clubs, even if you’re nearby. Thieves only need seconds.
• Be mindful of what you are posting on social media. If your friends and family know you are going away, so could a criminal.