KIDDERMINSTER shoppers took the opportunity to get advice and tips on how to have a Crime Free Christmas at the Town Hall.

The Safer Wyre Forest team organised the event, along with partners including Crimestoppers, Hereford & Worcester Fire & Rescue Service, Neighbourhood Watch, The Community Housing Group and Wyre Forest District Council.

Lots of free advice was on offer, including tips on how to keep purses secure as the shops and town get busier in the run up to Christmas and things you can do to protect your home and car.

The team were also raising awareness of the White Ribbon Campaign, an international movement encouraging men to speak out against violence against women and girls.

Visitors enjoyed the complimentary refreshments on offer and entered the free raffle to win a hamper full of Christmas goodies. The lucky winners of the hamper were Mr and Mrs Coles from Kidderminster.

Kathryn Washington, chair of the Safer Wyre Forest Tasking Group, said: “We hope that the Crime Free at Christmas event reminded residents to take extra care not to make life easy for the festive thieves. In addition to crime prevention advice, there was also a wide range of health and well being information and support on offer from our partners, highlighting what services are available.

“Wyre Forest is a low crime area and we hope these tips will help everyone have a wonderful and safe festive season.”

More information about Safer Wyre Forest, visit www.nwcsp.org