Thames Valley Police, in co-operation with the British Transport Police and major train line companies across the Thames Valley, are launching ‘Operation Locomotion’ today aimed at cutting burglaries.

Inspector Mick Squire, of Thames Valley Police, said: “This will be the biggest collaboration of Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) from the two forces.

“We will work together to get the messages out to many thousands of people.”

More than 30 Thames Valley PCSOs and British Transport Police officers will travel on seven major train lines and have a presence at 11 rail stations across the Thames Valley to warn commuters of the increased risk of burglary over the Christmas season.

The initiative is the second installment of the force-wide burglary campaign “Look, Lights, Lock” which began on October 1 and is intended to provide visible reassurance and quality crime prevention advice on the run-up to Christmas.

Insp Squire added: “We hope the public will not only feel reassured by our presence but will have confidence that if they take on board the simple prevention messages they will be far less likely to become a victim of crime both on the run up to the festive period and thereafter.”

Inspector Sean Hodgson, Head of Crime Reduction for Thames Valley Police, wants the public to be aware of the specific burglary risks at Christmas.

He said: “Thieves really enjoy Christmas, not for the reasons most of us do but because at this time of year thieves take advantage of any opportunity to steal Christmas presents.

“Most burglars are opportunist but this is made easier by people leaving doors and windows insecure so that they don’t even have to force their way in.

"You can reduce the risk of being burgled by making sure you take some basic and sensible precautions."