Operation Cracker - Who are you buying presents for this Christmas?

While there is no indication of an increased risk of burglary at Christmas, burglars are opportunistic at any time of the year. Sadly, Christmas is no exception.

Dennis Donovan, Force Crime Reduction Adviser, said: "Burglars will take any opportunity that comes their way. The fact that it's Christmas makes no difference to them. Very often the presents under a Christmas tree can be seen from the outside, putting temptation in their path.

"Empty boxes outside a house or nice new presents which are easy to spot inside are just too tempting to resist, no matter how much misery burglary causes at this time of year."

In order to hammer home the message and raise public awareness, Operation Cracker leaflets are being distributed throughout Sussex. The advice on them includes:

- Make sure your house looks occupied '“ use time-switches for lighting and close the curtains.

- Keep your home secure and store your gifts out of sight until Christmas comes.

- Be a good neighbour, report anything suspicious.

- Don't leave goods and presents visible inside your car.

- Don't leave empty boxes outside your house '“ these simply advertise the fact that you have new valuables inside.

Christmas is a time for giving. Following the above advice should go a long way to ensuring you only give to the right people this Christmas '“ and aren't left feeling like a Christmas turkey.