Here are a few straightforward tips to keep gifts safe and stop thieves from getting a free Christmas present or two this festive season.

Make sure all house windows and doors are locked if you’re going out.

Leave a radio on if you’re going out to give the impression your home is occupied.

Don’t leave gifts under the tree or on show if there’s no one at home, and try to position your tree away from full view of windows.

If you’ve bought electrical items or other expensive gifts, have them marked with a UV marker so that they can be identified if stolen.

Also consider recording anything with a serial number, on the immobilise web site, so there is a permanent record for you to access if anything ever gets stolen. Go to www.immobilise.com. Alternatively consider using SelectaDNA to mark your property. Visit www.selectadna.co.uk for more information.

Neighbourhood Watch and Neighbourhood Policing Teams frequently hold bicycle security sessions. Bikes are fitted with the tags which are electronically embedded with a unique reference number and then registered on a national property database, making them easy to trace should they be recovered. See local press for details of forthcoming sessions.

Going away for Christmas? Cancel your newspapers and milk. If possible, ask a neighbour to check on the place.

After the unpacking and festivities are done, rip up boxes and other packaging before leaving it out for refuse  collection, or take them to a recycling centre.

Motorists can also give thieves a rough ride. If you’re out shopping, don’t leave gifts on view in the car where they can tempt criminals.

Remember to remove easily portable items such as car stereos, and particularly Sat Navs. Take it with you when you leave your vehicle, along with accessories.