Staying safe this Christmas

As the festive season approaches, Dudley Safe & Sound has unveiled its “Christmas Safety” campaign, aimed at helping residents stay vigilant and protect their loved ones.

The initiative offers practical crime-prevention advice and warnings on issues ranging from loan sharks and fraud to home security and domestic abuse - ensuring holiday cheer isn’t overshadowed by seasonal risks.

Tackling loan sharks

With Christmas fast approaching and financial pressures mounting, residents are being urged to steer clear of loan sharks. These illegal lenders often prey on people struggling to cover festive expenses, offering small loans that quickly spiral into unmanageable debt. What may seem like a short-term solution can lead to devastating consequences, including threats, intimidation, and even violence. Loan sharks often pose as friends, making their offers appear helpful and hard to resist—but the reality is far more dangerous.

If you suspect illegal lending activity, report it confidentially by calling Illegal Money Lending England on 0300 555 2222 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 (available 24/7), or email reportaloanshark@stoploansharks.gov.uk

Beware of online scams

The festive season is a prime time for fraudsters to target online shoppers, and residents are being warned to remain cautious when making purchases on the internet. Common scams include fake websites selling counterfeit goods, virus-laden e-cards designed to steal personal information, and fraudulent auction listings where purchased items never arrive. While these scams often promise convenience and savings, they frequently result in financial loss and disappointment. Dudley Safe & Sound advises shoppers to take extra care and follow recommended safety tips, which can be found on the campaign’s Top Tips page.

Victims of online fraud should report incidents to Report Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting www.reportfraud.police.uk

Domestic Abuse & Hidden Child Victims

Christmas can be a stressful time for many families, and unfortunately, domestic tensions often escalate during the festive period, leaving victims with limited opportunities to seek help. Dudley authorities are working closely with the Safeguarding People Partnership to ensure that support is available for those in need.

Advice and support for Domestic Abuse can be accessed through the Dudley Borough SPOC on 01384 455411 (available 24 hours), via Text or WhatsApp on 07384 466181 (weekdays 9 am–9 pm), or through Live Chat on Dudley’s support website.

Concerns about children should be reported to the Children’s Services on 0300 555 0050 Monday – Friday 9.00 – 5.00 or Out of office hours, contact the Emergency Duty Team on 0300 555 8574

In an emergency dial 999 - In situations where speaking is unsafe, individuals can dial 999 and press 55 when connected to alert the operator.

Alcohol advice

The holiday period is often associated with celebration and indulgence, and while enjoying a drink is part of many festivities, Dudley Safe & Sound is reminding residents to drink responsibly. Health guidelines recommend consuming no more than 14 units of alcohol per week, spread across several days. To stay safe, individuals should set a limit before drinking, eat before and during drinking sessions, and alternate alcoholic drinks with water to remain hydrated. Planning alcohol-free days and activities, keeping track of drinks, and looking out for friends and family are all simple steps that can make a big difference. The new year also provides an excellent opportunity to set goals for reducing alcohol consumption.

Safe travel and nights out

Ensuring a safe journey home is an essential part of planning a night out during the festive season. Residents are encouraged to consider using public transport rather than driving and to check journey times in advance via Traveline on 0871 200 22 33 or www.traveline.info.

For those opting for taxis, it is vital to use licensed vehicles, as unlicensed cars are uninsured and may pose a risk. Booking taxis in advance and requesting a fare estimate is recommended, while Hackney carriages (black cabs) can be hailed on the street or at designated taxi ranks.

If driving is unavoidable, a designated sober driver should be arranged, and under no circumstances should anyone drink or take drugs before getting behind the wheel.

When traveling home, residents should stick with friends, keep their mobile phones charged, and ensure they have a secure method of payment.

Home security precautions

The darker winter evenings often lead to an increase in burglaries and distraction crimes, particularly targeting older and more vulnerable residents. Police are advising households to lock both front and back doors, even when at home, and to use a door chain while checking the identification of all callers. If there is any doubt, entry should not be granted.

When leaving home, residents should leave lights on, use timer switches, and close curtains after dark to prevent valuables from being visible. It is also recommended to avoid placing gifts under the Christmas tree where they can be seen from outside.

For additional support, the Living Well, Feeling Safe service offers practical advice on safety and wellbeing for older and vulnerable people and can be contacted on 01384 817743.

Fire safety measures

Fire risks increase significantly during December due to the presence of decorations, candles, and overloaded electrical sockets. West Midlands Fire Service is urging residents to follow simple precautions, such as keeping candles away from flammable items and never leaving them unattended, using only BS-approved Christmas lights and unplugging them when not in use, avoiding overloaded sockets, and regularly testing smoke alarms without removing batteries for other appliances. These measures can help prevent accidents and ensure that celebrations remain safe and enjoyable.

A Final Reminder

Dudley Safe & Sound’s Christmas Safety campaign is a timely reminder that while the festive season is a time for joy, family, and celebration, it is also a period when certain risks can increase. By following the advice provided - whether it’s staying alert to scams, avoiding illegal lenders, drinking responsibly, or taking steps to secure homes and travel safely - residents can help ensure that their holidays are memorable for all the right reasons. For more information, resources, and support, please visit Dudley Safe & Sound’s official website or contact the relevant services listed below.

Contact	Helpline/ Contact
Crime Stoppers	0800 555 111
Illegal Money Lending England	0300 555 2222
Report Fraud	0300 123 2040
Safeguarding People Partnership - Advice and support for Domestic Abuse	SPOC: 01384 455411 Text/WhatsApp: 07384 466181
In a emergency	999 (press 55 if silent)
Children’s Service	0300 555 0050
Children's Service - out of hours Emergency Duty Team	0300 555 8574
Living Well, Feeling Safe	01384 817743