POLICE are working together with the trading standards department of Oxfordshire County Council to keep burglars out of the area by targeting the handlers of stolen goods.

Det Sgt Dave Horsburgh said: "If a deal looks too good to be true, then the chances are it probably is.

"We are keen to catch these criminals and stop burglary in the area. It is Christmas time and we know how a good bargain might be an ideal Christmas present.

"But I would like to remind people that handling stolen goods is a criminal offence and can result in up to14 years imprisonment."

Richard Webb, from Oxfordshire County Council trading standards said: "At this time of the year we frequently have cause to deal with shoddy or counterfeit goods being sold on the street or at car boot fairs.

"Often they are being sold cheap and appear a bargain, but frequently toys sold in this way are unsafe or not sold with appropriate warnings to ensure that buyers know who they are suitable for.

"We also find counterfeit DVDs that are so poor often only about one in three will actually play.

"Buying a counterfeit DVD as a gift is likely to be very embarrassing when it does not work."

Lesley Nesbitt, crime reduction adviser, offers the following tips to help protect property:

"Police stations have a quantity of UV pens that can be handed to members of the public. Porcelain or jewellery items should be photographed as UV marking is not recommended for them.

"Valuables shouldn't be placed in full view of a window and obviously the property should be made secure whenever the owner leaves it."

The police are hoping the public can help them crack down on burglaries and the handling of stolen goods in Oxfordshire and ask that if anyone with any information about stolen goods that may be for sale, or any other suspicious incidents to contact Det Sgt Dave Horsburgh at Abingdon police station via 0845 8 505 505.

If you don't want to talk to the police or give your name, call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.