However, criminals also like to celebrate in a rather different way! This can be through online scams or physical crime such as burglaries and other thefts.
This article is therefore “my take” on some crimes that may be more prevalent at this time of the year and how through simple measures the risks can be reduced, therefore ensuring we all have a safe and crime-free Christmas.
Property crime
The festive period is one of the busiest times of the year – but while many of us are away visiting friends and family, unoccupied homes can unfortunately attract unwanted attention.
If you are going away, use smart plugs or light timers to turn lamps and Christmas lights on and off at realistic times. Avoid leaving the same light on constantly – varied lighting patterns give the impression that someone is at home. A TV simulator or a smart speaker playing low-level sound occasionally can also help create the sense of activity indoors.
Before you go away ask someone you trust to keep watch. A trusted neighbour or friend can make your home look lived in by doing small but effective things while you’re away, such as: collecting post or parcels, moving bins on collection day, parking on your driveway occasionally or moving you own car. Small actions like these create the illusion of occupancy – one of the simplest and most effective deterrents.
It’s tempting to share your holiday countdown or airport selfies, but posting about your absence can unintentionally alert criminals that your home is, or will soon be, empty. Wait until you return before posting travel updates or photos from your trip.
Security of valuable items
Going Christmas shopping? Don’t leave valuables and gifts on display in your car. Theft of items from cars is one of the highest crimes in Portugal. Valuable items such as electronic goods, mobile phones and TVs etc. are sought after items by criminals, so make sure that they are not left on display. Be particularly aware at Christmas markets and crowded stores when shopping, as not all of those around you are sharing the same Christmas spirit of “Goodwill to all”.
Distraction crime
From time to time, we hear of distraction crime mainly in supermarket carparks. Distraction crime usually involves two or more culprits, but can be one. The modus operandi is to distract you, and whilst distracted your property is stolen. Although often in car parks, it can be in street or in coffee shop terraces. Shopping trolleys may be more loaded with attractive goods in the lead up to Christmas, so please be vigilant to this type of crime.
Online shopping scams
Online shopping scams are becoming more common place than ever, but unfortunately many people fall for these. Our “Good tidings” are therefore that through taking simple steps, most of these can be avoided. After all, Christmas can be an expensive time and the last thing we want is to lose money through a scam or any crime, a subject I covered in last month’s feature.
Fake parcel delivery scams
In the lead up to Christmas, we are already seeing an increase in Portugal of online parcel delivery scams using the names of well-known couriers, such as CTT. If you are expecting a delivery, be particularly careful. Do not click on any links in emails, open attachments or reply. These are either phishing emails where the fraudster is attempting to gain your personal data or means of inserting a virus into your computer. Simply delete the email. Be aware any QR code embedded in an unsolicited email can be a scam. If you don’t know the sender, don’t scan the QR code. If in doubt, check with the company concerned but not using the contact details in the email.
Mobile payments
There are an increasing number of services such as banking services available through your mobile device. The number of attacks on mobile phones are now almost exceeding that of computers. Sound advice is not to store or save passwords or personal/financial data on your mobile device unless it is absolutely necessary and make sure the phone is passcode protected.
Donating to charity
Unfortunately the number of fake charity scams are increasing, tugging on your heart strings at this time of the year. Never click on a hyperlink in an email purportedly from a charity. Instead, visit the charity’s website first by typing the address into your browser.
Before you donate, check the website you are on is secure – the web address should begin with https:// (the “s” stands for “secure”) and look for the padlock symbol. It is very risky to respond to requests to donate through a money transfer company such as Western Union or MoneyGram.
Late night out and drink driving
Alcohol dulls your instincts and can lead you to make unsafe decisions. Keep a close eye on your drinks and don’t leave them unattended so you can minimise the risk of them being spiked. Also – and you might not know this, as not much has been said about it – watch out for strangers offering you their vape. Vapes, like drinks, can be spiked.
Attending a Christmas party? Some useful tips to help you have an enjoyable time out include: Drink water and a snack before you go out and between alcoholic drinks during the night as it will reduce the effect of the alcohol on your body. If in a bar or night club, do not leave your drink unattended. When walking home, if you are under the influence of alcohol it is best to be accompanied by friends. Alternatively, use a taxi, or if available, public transport. Do not get in the car with someone who has been drinking. Remember that in Portugal drinking and driving at 0.5 g/l and above is against the law and at 1.2 g/l or above, a criminal offence. If you have been driving for less than 3 years then it is 0.3 g/l and above.
I know it is awful at this time of year to even have to think about these matters; but we live in a real world and unfortunately there are those who take advantage at this time of year to carry out such crimes.
Safe Communities Portugal wish you all a Very Happy and Safe Christmas and New Year.
Read David Thomas’s last month’s article: Black Friday online scams supercharged by Artificial Intelligence
