NHS staff in North Wales urged to hide ID in public as criminals target key workers

NHS staff across North Wales are being urged to hide their ID badges in public after reports of criminals targeting key workers during the coronavirus crisis.

The force’s Community Safety Team has issued the advice following incidents in other parts of the country.

Although health staff have to carry ID and may be asked to produce it on the way to work, they are being told to hide it in a pocket or a bag.

This reduces the chances of criminals being able to identify you as an NHS worker. If you do lose your ID or it’s stolen, report it immediately.

Officers have strongly also suggested people should not where clothes or uniform which identifies their occupation.

While everyone else is at home, key workers are also being encouraged to safeguard their houses against burglars.

Advice issued to help keep your property safe, includes:-

– Always close and lock your doors and windows when you are not at home
– Remember to set your intruder alarm when going out, if you have one
– Close and lock doors of rooms you are not using while at home
– Don’t leave patio or conservatory doors and windows open or unlocked
– Make sure your regular bedtime routine includes locking up the house
– Don’t hide spare keys under flowerpots or doormats – these are places burglars will check
– Keep keys out of sight and out of reach – don’t leave them in their locks
– Good lighting on the outside of your property is a great deterrent – we recommend LED lighting that stays on from dusk till dawn, controlled by a photocell
– Display warning signs that your house has anti-burglary measures in place, as a deterrent
– Consider using Tech – Alexa and Google can be set to play low level radio. Radio with lots of talking, similar to Radio 4, gives the perception that the house is occupied.

In a press release, the force said: “North Wales Police Community Safety would like to thank you for your hard work throughout these unprecedented times.

“We don’t want to add to any feelings of worry or stress at this time, but would like to provide you with some security advice following some isolated incidents from other areas in the country.

“We are taking precaution in order to prevent any such actions happening in North Wales.

“We also want to reassure you that we are patrolling your neighbourhoods and communities keeping an eye on suspicious behaviour and challenging members of the public to ensure people are only out for essential reasons.

“If you receive any abusive comments or other issues then you should report it to us and we will deal with people who are not respecting our frontline workers.

“We assure you that we are #InThisTogether and will support you as you protect us during this pandemic.”