The aim was to have each person in the community so aware of crime prevention that after a few years I would have nothing to do but plan for my retirement.

But alas this is not the case.

We are still getting reports of stealing and other property crimes within the Shoalhaven that could easily have been avoided if some attention had been given to the security of property.

Between now and Christmas I would suggest that nearly all of us will be frequenting some supermarket, deli or toy shop to buy Christmas presents or food for the big day.

While you are wandering around thinking of what to buy you may not be giving crime prevention the attention it deserves.

If you are in the supermarket pushing the trolley around please do not place your handbag in the trolley.

Place it over your shoulder or if your better half is nearby let him/her hold it.

If you need to put your handbag in the trolley, have your bag closed and with you all the time. If need be, tie the strap to the trolley

If your handbag is loose in the trolley and you are distracted for even a moment, you have provided a crook with the opportunity to steal it.

Once this is done you will have to cancel your cards and replace everything that was taken. Hopefully your cards aren’t used during a paywave fraud where your hard earned money is remove from your account.

Remember, it’s Christmas.

Do you have the time, energy and money to go through a scenario such as this?

I would say not.

Christmas tip – It is very important to reduce the opportunity for a crime to be committed.

Leaving property such as eskies, fishing rods and bikes around the camp at night increase the chances for a crime of opportunity.

How easy would it be to be walking past a campsite in the middle of the night and pick up an esky?

The crime is over in a second and it’s not until the morning when your stomach’s growling for breakfast that you realise that the esky has gone and your bacon and eggs were inside it.

Remember you can Dob in a Druggie any time you like by contacting Nowra Police or ringing Crime Stoppers.

And also do not drink and drive.

As always, in case of an emergency call 000. In non-emergencies call the Policelink on 131 444 or your local police station. To provide anonymous information call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000. For domestic and family violence information, visit www.police.nsw.gov.au. For Shoalhaven Domestic Violence officers call 4421 9666 or 4421 9665  or email shoaldvlo@police.nsw.gov.au.

Don’t forget, cops are tops.