Christmas comes early for Britain’s house-breaking thieves, whose unseasonal behaviour means people need to pay special attention to home security over the festive period, according to Abbey.

The latest British Crime Survey shows that the average value of items stolen in household burglaries is £500, but almost a third (29 per cent) of people have possessions worth between £1,000 and £4,999 stolen.

With little more than half (52 per cent) of reported burglaries covered by insurance, this means items worth over £130 million were stolen with no insurance cover. Over half of burglaries happen after 6pm and more often in the winter months. With people at office parties and out socialising over the festive period it is important to take extra care.

Abbey advises that a few simple precautions can reduce the risk of becoming a Christmas burglary statistic. These include:

• Keeping presents away from places, such as under the tree or on window sills, if they can be easily seen from the road.
• Don’t put them under the tree too early, especially if the house will be empty quite often.
• Closing curtains and leaving some timer lights on if you are going to be out at night.
• Checking all windows and doors are closed properly, and fitting safety locks to doors and accessible windows wherever possible.
• Asking a friend or neighbour to keep an eye on the house while you are away or out of the house for long periods.
• Having a monitored home security alarm system fitted – an effective year round security measure that is shown to reduce the risk of a break-in.

• The full value of the contents of their home, including newly bought presents - also check the cover for high value items.
• Contents away from home – including personal possessions and presents, for when visiting family and friends at Christmas, or while out shopping.
• Theft of money and credit cards, including fraudulent use of cards if they are stolen either from inside or outside the home.