Top Tips: Don't give burglars Christmas presents

Dec 8 2010 By Mark Cowan

CHRISTMAS Day is little more than two weeks away, and many people will be busy this weekend decorating the house and the tree.

The excitement is building as loved ones shop for each other, looking for that extra special treat.

But while Christmas is a time for giving, thieves see it as a time for taking.

And their excitement is also building in readiness for festive rich pickings.

Burglaries traditionally rise at this time of year as the darker nights give thieves more opportunities, and visits to see relatives leaves homes empty.

Crimefighting experts are warning people not to make it a bumper year for thieves by hiding gifts and keeping them out of sight – and that includes putting presents around the tree.

Christmas presents displayed under trees are a huge temptation for prowling burglars, particularly of they can spot them through a window.

But it won’t just be Christmas presents they take, burglars will take whatever they can get hold of, so it’s important people take extra measures to keep their property safe.

The festive celebrations were ruined for pensioner Hazel Newton nine years ago when burglars ransacked her home and stole her presents from under the tree.

The widow returned from a family lunch the day before Christmas Eve to discover burglars had smashed their way into the house in Yardley through the conservatory.

Hazel was devastated not to open the gifts from her beloved grandchildren who saved up all their pennies to buy her beautiful things.

“The grandchildren have always saved their pennies to buy me beautiful presents but this time I don’t even know what they got me,’ said Mrs Newton, at the time.

“I usually love Christmas but this has ruined it for me.”

Despite her disappointment in the system, Hazel has moved on and can now enjoy the festive season with her 20 grandchildren and eight great grandchildren without re-living bad memories.

“I was bitter at the time but now I’ve got over it.

“I usually go to my daughter’s or daughter-in-law’s for Christmas. I can enjoy it again now.”

A police spokesman said: “What can you see if you look in the front windows of your house from the street?

“If you can see cash and keys on the coffee table and stacks of presents under the tree then so can the passing burglar.”