The Liverpool Chamber’s Business Crime Direct Team has been working hard throughout the year to bring crime in Liverpool city centre down to a ten year low. This is thanks to close work with partners at Merseyside Police and Liverpool City Council, amongst others.
Tony Jopson, the Chamber’s Business Crime Manager said: “Liverpool is one of the safest city’s in the UK, but people shouldn’t take this for granted. As the crime reduction wing of the Chamber, we’d like to us to offer some advice for the festive season to help people stay safe while they are out and about celebrating Christmas.
“Citysafe the Crime & Disorder Reduction Partnership tell us that the people most likely to become victims of crime are young people between the ages of 18 and 25 years of age. They are most likely to become a victim while using their mobile phone in public, getting cash from the ATM or being drunk and incapable in the street. We’d like to remind people to be aware of protecting their valuables and emphasise that people should try and know their limit when it comes to drinking to reduce the chances of their becoming a target for criminals.”
Business Crime Direct have compiled the following advice for all members of the public, which is especially relevant at this time of year.
- Always plan your journey.
- If you do not now where you are going find out before leaving.
- If you are using public transport, check timetables and connections.
- If you are relying on public transport make a travel plan and stick to it. Do not get stuck and miss a last bus or train.
- If you have your own transport whether it be car, motorcycle or pedal cycle it should be roadworthy and maintained and do not drink any alcohol!
- Only carry what you really need to take with you.
- Only travel in licensed Hackney Carriages (Black Cabs) or reputable Car Hire firms. Do not under any circumstances use unlicensed operators who may offer transport services in the street.
- If for any reason you become detached from your group and have to take a taxi consider taking a photo of the vehicle index number and sent to a friend before commencing your journey
- Travelling late on buses always sit as close as possible to the driver.
- Travelling late on trains try to face the direction of travel. Sit in carriages where there are more than one group of people.
- Avoid using mobile phones and portable music systems when you are walking along. These are items that thieves like to steal and they also reduce your awareness to your surroundings.
- Enjoy yourself responsibly if you are going to drink alcohol.
- Take care at cash machines.
- Keep your belongings with you at all times. Thieves target places where people are easily distracted such as pubs, restaurants, cafes and shops - especially shoe shops please ladies.
- Always let someone know where you are going.
Have a Safe & Happy Christmas!
Over 100 guests of the Chamber of Commerce enjoyed the annual Christmas Platform lunch of turkey with all the trimmings followed by entertainment from comedian, Mickey Finn who treated guests to a traditional stand up routine. Guests also raised over £500 for selected charity, NSPCC with a game of heads an tails.
It’s Friday, it’s nearly Christmas, some of you may even be going on your work’s night out later, I know we are (w00t!).
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