Move to curb Christmas burglaries

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In a bid to tackle domestic burglaries during the festive season, a campaign is urging people to avoid putting presents under the tree until early on Christmas morning.

According to crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers, trespassers could be tempted by seeing gifts in open view. It is also advising people that delivered boxes left on view outside their homes could advertise a person's wealth.

Posting messages on social networking sites such as Facebook, publicising such things as holiday plans, could also give vital information to crooks, the charity added.

Crimestoppers' chief executive Mick Laurie said: "With many presents sitting around trees it really is a temptation for burglars and within minutes they can have pilfered all the presents you've bought.

"We have used the theme of time in the campaign to highlight the impact of burglary - within minutes the presents you've put thought into and saved up to buy can be stolen.

"But it also takes very little time for someone to call Crimestoppers and tell us who did it to help try and bring justice to the victim, which will hopefully help them to feel safe in their home again."

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