This festive season Sussex police are offering prevention advice to help protect people across Sussex against burglary.

While we recommend taking steps to help prevent these types of offences throughout the year, extra precautions can help to keep homes more secure throughout the Christmas season.

Detective Chief Inspector Alison Hutchings said: “During this time of year homes can be more at risk of burglary.

“We encourage the public to be extra security conscious during their preparations for the Christmas period.”

The burglary prevention ‘battle plan’ inspired by the ‘Home Alone’ film provides tips for securing the home against burglary in the lead up to Christmas.

This includes:

• Securing all windows and doors.
• Keeping presents away from windows where they can be seen by people passing by.
• Disposing of packaging carefully. Empty boxes and bins full of packaging are a perfect advert for burglars.
• Don’t leave keys, money or valuables on windowsills or near the front door.
• Keeping presents and valuables secure; don’t store them in your car, shed or garage.
• Making use of free and secure registration websites such as Immobiliseto register items of value such as computers and laptops.
• Testing burglar alarms to ensure it’s working correctly.
• Not posting locations if you are away from home to prevent alerting potential burglars of an empty house.
• Making your home look occupied by using timer switches on your lights and radios. If you don’t have them, ask a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on your home and draw your curtains if you are away.
• Join your local Neighbourhood Watch.

Detective Chief Inspector Hutchings continued: “We understand the traumatic impact burglary has on victims emotionally as well as the financial loss.

“Sussex Police carries out a significant amount of engagement work with communities to prevent crime and bring perpetrators to justice.

“We are committed to attending every residential burglary in-person, to afford us the best possible opportunity to gather evidence and reach a successful outcome for victims.

“We encourage victims to continue to report crime and any suspicious behaviour, and we will investigate all reports thoroughly. Always call 999 in an emergency.”

Find more advice: protecting your home from crime here: Protecting your home from crime | Crime prevention | Sussex Police.