Large numbers of people visiting graves create opportunities for criminal activity. There is an increased risk of theft at cemeteries and on public transport. Our unoccupied houses or flats are potential targets for burglars. During these days of reflection, it is important to use common sense, remain extra vigilant and follow a few key safety rules.

• When leaving your flat or house, make sure it is properly secured. Check that you have locked all doors and windows, including those in the cellar and attic. Lock garage doors, utility rooms, as well as side gates and main gates to the property. Switch on motion detectors and remember to arm the alarm.
• Ask a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on your house or flat whilst you’re away. Leave them your phone number so they can contact you if necessary.
• If we use social media, let’s wait until we’ve returned safely before sharing details of our planned trip. We don’t know who might use the information that we’ll be away from home, or how they might use it.
• Try not to leave valuables or savings in your flat. For safety’s sake, consider depositing them in a bank.
• When visiting a cemetery, unless absolutely necessary, do not take large amounts of cash, expensive jewellery or other valuables with you. A moment’s inattention could result in them falling into the hands of a thief.
• When paying for purchases at stalls near cemeteries, do so discreetly, without revealing the full contents of your wallet to those around you. It is best to keep money, payment cards, documents and mobile phones in an inside pocket of your clothing, as this will make it more difficult for anyone to steal them in a crowd.
• When using public transport, let’s remain particularly vigilant, especially when getting on and off. Let’s keep a close eye on our handbags or pouches at all times so as not to lose them in the crush and jostling.
• When travelling to cemeteries in large cities during this period, consider using specially organised public transport and cemetery shuttle services instead of your own vehicle. Parking in the vicinity of cemeteries will be significantly more difficult during this time.
• Let’s ensure that elderly, unwell and less mobile people are always accompanied by a carer whilst at the cemetery. In a crowd, it is easy to faint, lose one’s bearings or get lost. It is a good idea to provide such people with a card bearing the telephone numbers of family members.
• As for children, let’s make sure they understand that they must not stray from their parents or family members whilst at the cemetery. Let’s agree on what to do should they get lost in the crowd, as well as a meeting point in such a situation. Make sure the child has a parent’s phone number, or, in the case of younger children, provide them with a piece of paper bearing that number. Teach them that, if necessary, they can always ask a police officer, a municipal warden or another person in uniform – such as a scout or a security guard – for help.
• Let’s make sure our little ones handle candles with care. The flame or their high temperature can cause painful burns or injuries from spilled paraffin.
• Whilst at the cemetery, let’s keep a close eye on our personal belongings, handbags, mobile phones, etc. Let’s not take our eyes off them, and let’s not leave them on gravestones or benches. In an atmosphere of reflection and remembrance, as well as reunions with long-lost family members, items left unattended may attract the attention of criminals.

Due to the public holiday, changes to traffic arrangements will be introduced on the following streets:

• in Tarnowskie Góry, from 30 October to 2 November, changes to traffic management on Gliwicka and Wyszyńskiego Streets will involve the installation of B-36 road signs (no stopping) in the vicinity of the cemeteries and the introduction of one-way traffic on Krótka Street from Gruzełka to Wyszyńskiego.