POLICE are reminding Gloucestershire residents of the vital importance of security both at home and when out and about over the Christmas period.

Police Harm Reduction Advisor Mark Godsland said: “Not surprisingly, Christmas provides a golden opportunity for thieves to have a field day due to the many homes containing expensive items.

"If you have Christmas gifts lying around your home or in your car, then we would recommend some simple advice to protect your possessions."

Here are some simple tips from Gloucestershire Police to avoiding crime this Christmas

• If you’re leaving the house or just before going to bed, make sure that your home is completely secure. Don’t leave doors or windows unlocked and ensure that you remove keys from locks.

• Consider keeping car and shed keys in your bedroom so if criminals do get in, they are less likely to find them and use them.

• Don’t advertise your absence from home. If you are out, leave lights on, fit timers or leave the TV on. Be careful what you mention on Facebook or Twitter.

• Don’t leave presents on open view - it makes you a sitting target for opportunists.

• Record the serial numbers of any items bought. Use a UV pen or forensic marker and mark your presents before wrapping.

• Put shop packaging in polythene bags when throwing out, to avoid advertising the fact that you have presents indoors.

• Don’t leave shopping on view in your car and take it in turns to visit the facilities at service stations.

• For high value electric items such as tablets and smartphones, make sure you password-protect them and make good use of inbuilt security and anti-virus features.