Holidaying at Christmas:

Make your home look like someone is living in it, use light timers.
Cancel any newspaper or milk deliveries.
Trusted neighbours may be able to help you by collecting your post, opening and closing curtains and they could park their car in your driveway.Do not post public messages on social media sites advertising you will be away.
Avoid discussing holiday plans where strangers may hear details of your absence from home.
Leave important documents and valuable items with other family members or a bank. Alternatively lock them in a properly secured safe.
If you normally leave valuable bicycles or similar items in your shed, consider putting them in the house.
Make sure that you lock all outside doors and windows and set your house alarm if you have one.

Christmas at Home

Lock and bolt your doors and windows.
Use your house alarm even at night when you are home.
If you are expecting a parcel, make sure someone is there when it is delivered, or ask a neighbour to take it in. Avoid having it left on the door step.
Keep keys, mobile phones, purses, wallets and other valuable items locked away out of sight, not on display at front door.
Don’t leave your keys in the door at any time.
Never leave keys in view of windows or doors.
Put presents under the Christmas tree early on Christmas morning.
Once you have opened all your gifts, don’t leave the boxes on view outside to advertise new items to criminals.