As the season of goodwill approaches, many people are in high spirits and enjoying the festive fun. However, for some 80,000 households up and down the country that receive unwanted visitors, merriment is replaced by misery.

This shocking figure is the number of domestic burglaries reported over last year's Christmas period. With people expected to spend an average of £310 on presents this year, the total amount of money lost to crime could be over £50million.

With this in mind, Bradford & Bingley is encouraging people to assess their home security and help ensure that their home is properly protected.

B&B's top tips for a happy Christmas:

• During the Christmas period, make sure you are sufficiently covered for the presents you have bought. If you need to add any expensive gifts onto your policy, now is the time to do it.
• Don’t tempt any unwanted guests - keep all presents out of view.
• Secure all accessible windows, especially those on the ground floor and near drainpipes and flat roofs, with key-operated locks.
• Ensure your Christmas lights are wired correctly. Poor wiring is a source of many accidents and much damage over the festive period. If in doubt consult a qualified electrician.

Dave Foyle, head of general insurance at Bradford & Bingley, said, "Christmas is a time for enjoying family, friends and festivities. Knowing that you are sufficiently insured should the worst happen means you can enjoy your celebrations stress-free, safe in the knowledge your home and its contents are protected."

Dabvid points out Bradford & Bingley’s home insurance automatically increases your sum insured by 10% for the month of December.