… and so are the thieves. Christmas is that time of year where theft and burglaries increase, fuelled by combinations of factors. So what should you do so you don’t get caught out?

  • Go shopping with someone else
    This one sounds like an odd suggestion, but this is a time of year when people go out shopping more than they usually would. Women walking along on their own, young teenagers and the elderly are all at risk from have-a-go muggers and pickpockets. Simply having another person with you could mean someone else becomes the target and not you.
  • Hide the presents
    You’ve heard the story before – family home is broken into, all the kid’s presents are stolen. Don’t leave the presents under the tree. Put them out first thing in the morning on Christmas day or last thing on Christmas Eve. The most important thing, though, is to make sure that no-one can see into your house, especially to where you have hid the presents!
  • Hide your new gear
    Christmas and New Year is when every man and his dog is out socialising. Chances are you just got a new bit of kit too, whether it is a new phone or MP3 player. Resist the urge to show it off to your mates on the bus into town – you never know which sly bugger could be catching a glance with a view to running off with it when you get off the bus.
  • Watch your back
    Perhaps the most important thing is to watch yourself. Trouble happens in any place, at any time. With many more people out and about than usual, with more alcohol inside them too, things might get a little out of hand at times. Keep an eye on those around you and always keep yourself safe.

They’re my top tips anyway… What are yours?