Householders are being urged to take a few simple steps to ensure a crime-free Christmas and New Year, writes Andrew Ffrench.

Each year, people fall victim to thieves who steal Christmas presents from their homes and cars.

To raise public awareness of this and other festive problems, a crime prevention leaflet has been produced by staff at St Aldate's police station in Oxford. Copies will be distributed throughout the city.

Pc Mick Flynn said: "It is important that the public takes time to read this leaflet to ensure their festive holiday is not ruined. "Each year, we are called to incidents where burglars have stolen Christmas presents from under trees in people's homes.

"We are asking parents to keep presents hidden from view until Christmas Day.

"We would also ask people to take their shopping home as soon as possible and not to leave it in the boot or on the back seat of their cars."

Serial numbers of valuable presents should be written down and, where possible, a postcode should be written clearly on the back. Pc Flynn said: "The Millennium New Year should be a fun and happy time.

"To ensure this, we ask anyone who is going away over the holiday to ask a neighbour or friend keep an eye on their home.

If a burglar alarm is fitted leave a key with a neighbour along with details of how to turn it off."

Police are also asking revellers to plan their journeys home on New Year's Eve.

*Wantage police launched Operation Mince Pie this week. It will focus on shoplifting, car crime, drink-driving and public disorder.

Story date: Wednesday 15 December

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