THIEVES stole a laptop, keys and a wallet in a burglary at a home in Oddington.

The burglars got into the property through the back door. They also took the keys to the car that was parked in the car port and searched the car.

The burglary happened between 11pm on December 21 and 8am on December 22.

PC Mike West said "I would like to encourage anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity in the area at the time, to contact the police. I would also like to remind residents that at this time of year that it is very important to look after your property and keep it secure from opportunist thieves."

Here is a security checklist:

  • Don't leave your Christmas presents on display in your home - burglars like to do their window shopping
  • Fit five-lever mortise deadlocks (BS3621) to all front and back doors and locks to all downstairs windows and windows which are easy to reach
  • Keep your house and car keys safe and away from doors and windows
  • If you have a burglar alarm make sure it is installed properly and works
  • 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.