If you are planning to go away this Christmas, it’s worth asking a neighbour or friend you trust to keep an eye on your home while it’s empty. Ask them to move your post as well as opening and closing curtains.

Make sure your alarm system is working.

Avoid advertising your absence on social media. It’s easy to get excited about going away but if you don’t have your privacy settings set up, you don’t know who might see those messages!

Keep Christmas presents and other valuables out of sight. Burglars know that there are more possessions in homes at this time of year, so keep gifts in a discreet place.