Are your Christmas gifts safe?

During the busy run up to Christmas and the intensive shopping period, Devon and Cornwall Police are advising people to keep their Christmas purchases safe.

Following the chaotic buying of the Black Friday period, burglars will look out for wrapped or unwrapped Christmas presents in homes and in cars.

People are advised to protect their Christmas purchases by storing them in a safe, secure and private location that is not visible from outside, so burglars aren’t tempted to steal them.

Bob Bunney, Crime Reduction Team Leader for Devon and Cornwall Police, said: “Christmas is a great time of year for thieves and burglars.  They know that there will be high-value goods in homes and in cars and will look out for any opportunity to capitalise on this.

“People can take precautions to avoid having their new goods stolen by following police advice.  We want everyone to have a safe and happy Christmas and prevent and avoid upsetting Christmas burlgaries.”

Here are some top tips to help prevent your home from being burgled:

Keep gifts out of sight
Keep all windows and doors closed and locked
Don’t leave keys in locks especially near letterboxes or cat flaps (where burglars can get their hand through)
Mark any valuable equipment appropriately (advice on http://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/crime-prevention/) and register it on www.immobilise.com
Further information and advice about protecting your home and car this Christmas can be found at: http://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/crime-prevention

To report a theft please email 101@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk or call 101 for non-urgent crime.  Call 999 in an emergency.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.