Yule do better with care: police

POLICE have urged residents to heed warnings against drink-driving and other anti-social behaviour during the festive season.
Less than two weeks until Christmas, Cranbourne police have reminded locals to enjoy sensible Yuletide celebrations and keep the roads fatality-free.
Cranbourne Criminal Investigation Unit Acting Detective Sergeant Peter Carroll said police would be targeting end of year Christmas parties, work breakups and local drinking holes in a crackdown on drunken and disorderly behaviour.
Acting Det. Sgt. Carroll said police would be stepping up patrols on the streets and major roads to ensure residents had a safe and incident-free Christmas.
“We will be particularly concentrating on drink-driving by targeting afternoon end-of-year Christmas parties,” he said.
“If you are going to drink, make sure you preorganise alternative transport. Get a friend or relative to pick you up.
“Don’t risk ruining your Christmas by getting nabbed for drink-driving.”
Acting Det. Sgt. Carroll also warned residents not to leave valuables unattended in their cars as the Christmas period was a hot time for thefts.
He said police had already received dozens of reports of theft from motor cars, with thieves preying on vehicles in shopping centre car parks.
“Please do not leave valuables in the car while shopping or away from the vehicle.
“If you have to leave something in your car, make sure it is covered up and hidden from view, either under the seat or in the boot,” Acting Det. Sgt. Carroll said.
He encouraged holidaymakers to secure their homes while away for the summer break and inform a neighbour of vacation plans to minimise the risk of break-ins.
“Do the neighbourly thing and keep an eye on next-door properties while the owners are away.
“If you see any suspicious activity, contact police immediately.
“If you are going away, let your neighbours know so that someone can watch the house, collect the mail and bring the bins in.
“And make sure your home is locked and secure,” he said.
Acting Det. Sgt. Carroll thanked the community for their assistance throughout the year, which he said led to numerous arrests and recovery of stolen property.