Police in Sussex are urging residents to take extra precautions this festive season to help protect their homes from burglary.
Officers say while crime prevention measures are important all year round, homes can be more vulnerable in the run-up to Christmas as people shop for gifts, travel to see family and leave properties unattended for longer periods.
Detective Chief Inspector Alison Hutchings said burglars often take advantage of the darker evenings and signs that valuable items may be inside a property. She encouraged people to be particularly security-conscious during their Christmas preparations.
Police have released a burglary prevention “battle plan”, inspired by the Home Alone films, offering practical advice to reduce the risk of break-ins over the festive period.
Residents are advised to ensure all doors and windows are properly locked, and to keep Christmas presents out of sight from windows where they could be seen by passers-by. Police also warn against leaving empty packaging outside, saying boxes and bins full of wrapping can act as an advert to burglars.
People are encouraged not to leave keys, cash or valuables on windowsills or near front doors, and to avoid storing presents in cars, sheds or garages where they can be easily targeted.
Other advice includes registering valuable items such as laptops and computers on free, secure websites like Immobilise, and testing burglar alarms to make sure they are working correctly.
Police also warn against posting holiday locations on social media, as this can alert criminals to an empty home. Making a property look occupied can help, either by using timer switches on lights and radios or asking a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on the house and draw curtains if needed.
Residents are also encouraged to consider joining their local Neighbourhood Watch scheme, which police say plays an important role in preventing crime and keeping communities safe over the Christmas period.
Detective Chief Inspector Hutchings continued: “We understand the traumatic impact burglary has on victims emotionally as well as the financial loss.
“Sussex Police carries out a significant amount of engagement work with communities to prevent crime and bring perpetrators to justice.
“We are committed to attending every residential burglary in-person, to afford us the best possible opportunity to gather evidence and reach a successful outcome for victims.
“We encourage victims to continue to report crime and any suspicious behaviour, and we will investigate all reports thoroughly. Always call 999 in an emergency.”
Find more advice: protecting your home from crime here: Protecting your home from crime | Crime prevention | Sussex Police.
WATCH: Storm Goretti sweeps in across the South - Live Blog Updated: 09.01.2025 @08:00
Older residents in Sussex being encouraged to get out and try something new
Exploring a new Enterprise Centre in Chichester
Chichester could get improvements to council car parks
MP backs Baltic Klipper clean up operation on West Sussex coast
Fatal crash near Balcombe
Three people charged following pursuit in Chichester
Prime Minister pays tribute to volunteers who cleaned beaches in West Sussex
Extreme cold weather continues across the South
£52m to improve bus services in Hampshire
On Air