Operation Magpie: Lock it. Zip it. Keep it.

As the school holidays get underway, visitor attractions, urban spots, and High Streets across the county are getting busier - and they're not the only ones.

We know that thieves love this time of year, so we are relaunching Operation Magpie, our annual campaign to help people steer clear of opportunistic crime, which asks people to: Lock it. Zip it. Keep it. 

We know that you get it. But we also know how easy it is to forget to zip up a handbag, leave the front door unlocked if you're out in the garden, or become distracted at the cashpoint.

This is just what an opportunistic thief is watching for, so we hope that the simple reminder to lock doors and windows and cars, zip up and keep safe bags, wallets and pocket, and ultimately, keep hold of what's yours. 

First launched last year, the campaign provides top tips from the dedicated Crime Prevention Team on keeping your belongings safe, both out and about and at home - and we're asking you to pass the message on.  We are also encouraging people to follow our social media pages, where we will be posting advice throughout spring and summer. Here are our top tips:

• 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 when you are going away, so could a criminal.
• Be aware of who is around you at the cash machine; cover the keypad with your hand before entering a pin; and put cash away immediately. 
• Keep wallets, purses and phones in a zipped pocket or bag, and not in your back pocket.
• Don’t make your home, holiday home or caravan a shop window -  make sure  you don’t leave valuables in view at your home, 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.
• 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.
• When you get home, place your keys and wallets away from letterboxes, either in a drawer or upstairs. If you can, use a Faraday bag to protect bank cards and electronic keys.

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 officers from our Response teams, CID, dog units, and tactical teams - to name a few - who respond swiftly to incidents and investigate crime and keep people safe.

Follow our tips to give yourself the best chance of steering clear of criminals,. If you come across anything suspicious, please contact 101 or 999 in an emergency.