Christmas in Kempsey is a time of lights, family, community, and celebration – but it’s also, unfortunately, a time when burglary and opportunistic crime tend to rise across rural villages. With darker evenings, people travelling away to visit family, and homes often filled with newly purchased gifts, criminals know the festive season presents opportunities.
But the good news is simple: a few practical steps can make your home significantly more secure. As a community, we can reduce the risk of crime, look out for each other, and keep the festive period peaceful.
Here’s your guide to staying safe and secure this Christmas.
1. Don’t Showcase Your Gifts
It’s tempting to place wrapped presents near a window, but this can unintentionally advertise valuables to anyone passing by.
- Keep gifts out of sight from windows
- Don’t leave packaging (TVs, laptops, consoles) visible in bins
- Break boxes down and put them inside recycling containers
Burglars often look for easy wins. Don’t make your home an obvious target.
2. Use Light Timers When You’re Out
Short winter days make it easy for criminals to identify empty homes. Timers help create the illusion of occupancy.
- Set lamps to come on at staggered times
- Consider a radio or smart speaker with a timed schedule
- Use low-energy bulbs for cost efficiency
A lit, lived in house is far less appealing to intruders.
3. Keep Doors and Windows Locked Even During the Day
Christmas rush, visitors arriving, deliveries, and busy households can lead to lapses.
- Always check doors are locked – even if you’re “just popping out for 10 minutes”
- Avoid leaving windows ajar in rooms with valuables
- Keep keys out of sight and away from letterboxes
Many burglaries occur in broad daylight when people are distracted.
4. Be Mindful of Social Media Posts
It’s natural to want to share your festivities online, but some things are better posted after the fact.
Avoid sharing:
- That you’re away from home
- Expensive new purchases
- Holiday itineraries
- “All packed and off we go!” posts
Criminals do monitor social media, and rural areas are not exempt.
5. Secure Outbuildings and Sheds
Sheds often contain high value tools that burglars use to break into the main home.
- Fit a sturdy lock
- Install a motion sensor or solar light
- Bolt bikes and equipment to a ground anchor
- Consider a simple camera if you store expensive tools
A locked shed is often enough to deter opportunists.
6. Delivery Awareness: Parcels Are Prime Targets
With online shopping at its peak, doorstep theft rises dramatically in winter.
- Use parcel lockers where possible
- Ask a trusted neighbour to take deliveries
- Add a note for couriers to place items out of sight
- Avoid letting parcels sit outside in plain view
7. Look Out for Each Other
One of Kempsey’s greatest strengths is its sense of community. A village that looks out for one another is naturally safer.
- Check in on elderly or vulnerable neighbours
- Offer to keep an eye on homes while residents are away
- Report suspicious activity to police (using 101 for non-emergency)
- Make use of neighbourhood WhatsApp groups (sensibly and without panic)
Community vigilance is one of the strongest deterrents to rural crime.
8. Consider Basic Security Upgrades
Modern home security doesn’t need to be expensive:
- Video doorbells
- Motion-activated outdoor lights
- Smart plugs
- Window alarms
- Simple CCTV systems
- Upgraded door locks and hinge bolts
These make a big difference and are often enough to send opportunistic burglars elsewhere.
9. Don’t Advertise That You’re Away
If you’re travelling for Christmas or New Year:
- Ask a neighbour to park on your drive occasionally
- Leave curtains slightly open
- Use indoor timers
- Avoid piling up post (use Royal Mail Keepsafe if needed)
- Don’t leave bins out early
Small details signal whether a home is lived in or temporarily empty.
10. Trust Your Instincts and Report Anything Suspicious
If something feels “off”, it’s always better to report it.
The police would rather investigate early than respond to a crime after it has occurred.
Remember: reporting suspicious behaviour is not “bothering” anyone – it’s contributing to a safer village.
A Safe, Secure Christmas for the Whole Village
Kempsey is a wonderful community, and by taking sensible precautions, we can all enjoy a peaceful and safe holiday season.
This Christmas:
- Stay vigilant
- Look out for neighbours
- Protect your home
- Keep valuables secure
- Think before posting online
A safer village is something we build together.
