VOLUNTEERS working with North Yorkshire Police will lead a roadshow encouraging people in the region to keep each other safe at Christmas.

The roadshow will focus on online and personal safety and protecting your home and property, and will involve PCSOs, volunteers and police cadets visiting towns to hand out crime prevention advice and promote the North Yorkshire Community Messaging system.

Work will also be done by the the force's cybercrime unit and the York and North Yorkshire Road Safety Partnership 95 Alive to provide online safety advice and road safety tips.

Antony Baldwin, Police Support Volunteer area coordinator, said: "The Christmas period is traditionally the busiest time of the year for shopping and unfortunately, there are those who exploit this period for the wrong reasons, but it only takes a few simple preventative measures to discourage criminals and stay safe.

"By going into the heart of our communities, we can take advice direct to members of the public. Crime prevention is not something that is on everyone’s mind in all the excitement and busyness of Christmas, but it is important to take a few moments to keep yourself, your family and your belongings safe."

The first roadshow in York will be held on Thursday, November 23, between 10am and 2pm at Tesco in Clifton Moor, with another taking place in Harrogate's Victoria Shopping Centre at the same time.

Other events include the Great Ayton Christmas Market between 2pm and 7pm on Saturday November 25, Sainsbury’s in Selby, on Saturday December 2 between 10am and 2pm, Acomb Explore between 10am and 2pm on Saturday, December 16.

Additional dates may be publicised on the force Facebook and Twitter pages, and a full list is available on the North Yorkshire Police website.