DORSET Police have urged people to be vigilant after figures revealed burglaries over the Christmas period have increased by almost 20 per cent over the past four years.
Officers say residents can take some simple steps to make sure burglars don't ruin their Christmas.
Between 2008 and 2012 dwelling burglary offences increased by an average of 19.5 per cent when comparing the months of October and November with December and January.
Burglary crime marks the first day of Dorset Police's interactive advent calendar - which will see a different crime message tackled each day until Christmas Eve.
DI Richard Dixey, of the priority crime team, said: “Burglaries tend to increase over the festive season due to the longer hours of darkness at night and burglars know people will have valuables and presents in their homes.
“I am encouraging everyone to take simple steps to make sure burglars don't ruin their Christmas.
“Ensuring valuables and presents are not left on display and making sure that all windows and doors are securely locked when leaving the property will reduce the chances of being burgled.”
He said people should consider downloading tracker apps for their iPads, smartphones and laptops which can be activated if the product is stolen.
DI Dixey added that a range of covert and overt policing techniques will be used to reduce burglaries this Christmas.
And said: “Not only will we be targeting burglars over the Christmas period, we will also be targeting handlers of stolen goods.
“Anyone offered high value items at cheap prices by an individual should be suspicious and contact Dorset Police.”
Burglary figures. See crime stats for your street at bournemouthecho.co.uk/li
PROLIFIC BURGLARS BEHIND BARS
LAST month career burglar Nicholas Birch, 45, was jailed for three years after pleading guilty to two dwelling house burglaries and asking for another nine similar offences to be taken into consideration.
The court heard the 45-year-old had spent two thirds of his life behind bars after amassing 142 offences since 1984.
He broke into a house at Hurn Road, Christchurch, on October 29 this year and committed another burglary at Grove Road Bournemouth two days later.
And in February unemployed Poole man Ian Paul Collins, 31, was jailed for 33 months after admitting a string of burglaries.
He pleaded guilty to 13 break-ins in the Poole, Parkstone and Bourne Valley areas.
This is day one of Dorset Police's interactive advent calendar to spread the Christmas crime prevention and personal safety message.
The campaign, supported by the Daily Echo, will see a variety of different subjects and crimes tackled in a bid to ensure people stay safe.
From today until December 24 we will be publishing stories in the paper and online.
Twitter users can also follow updates using the hashtag #DPadventcalendar.
Acting Chief Constable Debbie Simpson said: “I would encourage the public to keep checking the advent calendar to find advice that may prevent them from becoming victims of crime over the festive season.
“Don't let criminals ruin your Christmas.”
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