POLICE are warning residents in Chester: “Do not celebrate Christmas by giving an open-house invitation to a criminal.”
The message comes after police in and around the city have recorded a surge in “sneak-in” burglaries, which they say will increase over Christmas.
Detective Constable Chris Morris said: “Burglars look on the run-up to Christmas as a boom time, when homes are stocked with presents waiting to be delivered to friends and relatives.
“If the door is left unlocked, that really adds to the festive spirit as far as they are concerned. They can target your presents with no more effort than pushing the handle and opening the door.”
A third of all burglaries are sneak-ins of this type.
DC Morris added: “From time to time we issue warnings about the need to lock your door, as the very first step in home security. At this time of year, that is even more important.”
Police have warned that offenders can sometimes specialise in this type of burglary and can even move up and down streets in daylight or in the dark, trying door handles until they find one which is unlocked.
“If you are in, they will take whatever is available in a kitchen or hallway while you are in another room,” said DC Morris.
“If you are out, even if it is only as far away as the garden, they will have time to search your home and the Christmas presents you chose so carefully will disappear.
“Many of the games consoles, iPods, and other electrical goods bought as presents these days are ideal pickings for a burglar; small, easy to carry, valuable and easy to dispose of.”
Police say the most important security message is to keep outside doors locked.
DC Morris added: “Don’t let the presents which should have gone to your family and friends make a Merry Christmas for a criminal.”