To try and prevent you from becoming a victim here are The Ashfield Partnership Against Crime’s top tips to make sure your Christmas isn't spoiled:

Out Shopping

• Try not to do all your shopping in one trip as you may be struggling to carry all your bags so you will be distracted, making it easier for a thief to steal from you.
• Keep your handbag closed and hold all bags securely to make it more difficult for the pickpockets. Keep mobile phones out of sight. Try not to carry too much cash and keep your cheque book and cheque card separate.
• Try not to return to your car in the middle of the shopping trip to put gifts in the boot, thieves may be watching car parks for this opportunity.
• Always ensure that Christmas shopping/gifts are placed in the boot of the car and out of sight. Make sure that all your windows and doors are shut and locked.

Celebrations

• For that office party and general Christmas celebrations remember pubs, restaurants and other venues are often crowded. Don't leave bags over the back of your chair and keep wallets/purses and mobiles close.
• Make prior arrangements as to how you will get home. Make sure someone knows where you are going and what time you will be back.
• Avoid any potential disturbances on the street and don’t get too drunk as you could become an easy target.
• Avoid the temptation to get a minicab on the street; even if it means waiting a while for a taxi, it is illegal for minicabs to take customers who have not pre-booked.

At Home

• Don’t put Christmas gifts under the tree until Christmas Eve!
• Check what you have in your home normally e.g. TV, DVD player etc. and what extra gifts you have brought. It may be worthwhile checking to ensure your contents insurance will cover these extra items.
• Take the frame number of new bikes and the serial number of new electrical equipment.
• If presents are stored or hidden in outbuildings or sheds make sure these are securely locked at all times.
• If you go out in the evening make sure that some lights are left on to make it look like someone is home. Do not however leave Christmas lights on while you are out as a fire precaution.
• Genuine delivery personnel will have uniforms and prominent vehicles and should not come into your home. Charity collectors will have ID and will not be offended if you ask to see it.
• If you are going away for Christmas put an automatic timer on lights and ask a trusted friend to watch the house for you. Don’t forget to cancel newspaper and milk deliveries.
• And after Christmas ... Don’t leave the packaging of gifts on the street when putting rubbish out, burglars might be on the look out of where to get top of the range equipment.

The Ashfield Partnership Against Crime wishes you a happy and crime-free Christmas and a prosperous new year.