Police are warning Oxfordshire householders not to let thieves spoil their Christmas.

And are issuing festive security advice in the hope of combating crime.

Lesley Nesbitt, crime reduction advisor, said: "The festive period is the time when people are preparing for Christmas and getting presents, storing them at home until Christmas day.

"Most burglaries are carried out by opportunist thieves. In two out of 10 burglaries, they don't even have to use excess force; they manage to get in through an open door or window.

"Reduce the risk of your home being burgled by making sure you take some simple and inexpensive precautions. Take action now and don't become a victim of burglary over the coming days."

The security checklist is as follows:

  • Don't leave Christmas presents on display.
  • Fit five-lever mortise deadlocks to all front and back doors and locks to all downstairs and easy-to-reach windows.
  • Keep house and car keys safe and away from doors and windows.
  • If you have a burglar alarm make sure it is working and installed properly.
  • When you are away from home, use timer switches to turn some lights or a radio on when it is dark.
  • Cancel any milk or newspaper deliveries when you go away.
  • Keep your garage and garden shed locked with proper security locks and keep any tools secure and out of sight.
  • Trim hedges and plants that a burglar could hide behind.
  • Make sure you have up-to-date contents insurance.

Home security leaflets are available from local police stations and residents can arrange a free home security survey by calling police on 08458 505505.