Friday
21st December 2001
Shop
away for Christmas Day but look out, look out there's a thief about! |
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Last
minute shopping and the good weather has seen
a great season for Devon's traders
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Traders
in the South West are reporting a bumper season for Christmas shopping
with just days left before the big celebrations.
Late opening and live entertainments in city and town centres have
helped to draw crowds, but much of the success is being put down to
the sunny weather.
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Harry
Potter toys are top of many
children's Christmas list this year
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This year's "Holy
Grail" of children's toys is proving to be the Harry Potter Castle.
Demand is far oustripping supply despite its price tag of almost £80.
You do not need to be a retail expert to figure out that the streets
are packed, and more importantly for businesses, they are full of
people carrying shopping bags.
In Plymouth, as in all of the main centres in the South West, business
is booming.
Traders right across the region are all saying the same thing, that
this is proving to be a very succesful year.
See
our Christmas
section with late night shopping times, Santa's grottos, festive
tales and lots more
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Meanwhile
police in Plymouth are urging people to be on their guard against
a seasonal increase in burglaries. Police officers say the seasonal
period brings an increase in the number of burglaries and car break
ins.
That mean there will be more than the average four or five burglaries
each day - and more than the 10 to 15 car break ins.
But officers say there are things you can do to protect your property:
House windows and doors should be locked, if you are out curtains
should be drawn and a light left on, they also recommend house alarms
and security lighting.
As far as cars are concerned - Devon and Cornwall police say it's
best to park in a well lit car park, and not to leave vaulables in
the car for any period of time.
They also recomend you plan shopping so that bulky items are picked
up at the end of the day |
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