Dumfries and Galloway police officers urge people to stay safe over the festive period

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Police officers are urging people to stay safe and not to be complacent over the festive period. Christmas and New Year is a busy time for people, shops and the hospitality industry.

And community safety Sergeant Colin Scott has issued advice to ensure people don’t have their fun ruined by criminals. Sergeant Scott, who is based in Castle Douglas, said: “Having been a police officer serving in Dumfries and Galloway for over 20 years I am pleased to confirm that our area remains one of the safest places in the United Kingdom to live, work and visit. “However, we shouldn’t be complacent in that regard and, as a community, we should work together to keep it that way. “It will be a busy time for people with Christmas shopping, works nights out, Christmas parties, visitors and so on. “For many people it also represents a welcome opportunity to spend time with friends and family, both out and about, and at home. “That same period also brings with it a number of challenges for the police though, in terms of seasonal increases in specific types of crime and the number of alcohol related incidents we encounter. “The negative effect that financial crime can have and the festive period is unfortunately another opportunity for unscrupulous criminals to target shoppers.” Anyone doing some last-minute Christmas shopping online is urged only to use websites they trust, check trusted reviews and use a safe payment method – in particular a credit card.

Those heading to the shops will see more police officers in a bid to deter and detect shoplifters. And shoppers can play their part by staying alert and being aware, especially with their purses, wallets and cash.