Lincolnshire Police warn not to keep presents under Christmas tree

Lincolnshire Police's Operation Rudolph advises people to "keep their possessions safe" at Christmas, and not "advertise" them to thieves

A senior police officer has urged people to end the tradition of putting presents under the Christmas tree.

Supt Phil Baker, of Lincolnshire Police, said piles of festive gifts were a "big advert" to thieves looking to steal high-value items.

The officer said the advice was not about being Scrooge-like but keeping families safe at Christmas.

If a theft took place "the impact on your family will be devastating," he warned.

Supt Baker said that criminals loved the practice of putting gifts under the tree "as much as you do".

Supt Phil Baker, of Lincolnshire Police, said the impact of Christmas burglaries is "devastating", especially for children

"It's a big advert that underneath your Christmas tree are probably large items that cost an awful lot of money that you don't not want to be able to open on Christmas morning," he said.

"If you have young children and those presents get stolen and you are not in a position to be able to replace them, if you've not taken serial numbers, if you've not got receipts so you can contact your insurance, then ultimately that could be your Christmas ruined."

Operation Rudolph: Police advice on staying safe at Christmas

• Do not leave presents under the tree; close the curtains when it's dark

• Be careful what you post on social media; don't publish your location or expensive presents

• Buy a timer so lights come on even if no-one is home, or leave a lamp on

• When shopping, keep valuables in a zipped pocket or bag, not in your back pocket

• Record serial numbers for expensive presents and keep receipts

• Mark bikes with postcodes and register them

• On a Christmas or New Year night out, plan your route home beforehand

• Make sure you have enough money for a taxi, and only use marked taxis

• Tell people where you are going and what time you'll be back

Source: Lincolnshire Police

The officer also warned people about the perils of posting about being out and about over Christmas on social media.

"You don't know who is monitoring your social media site, and who knows where you live," he said.

Supt Baker, who was speaking at the launch of the force's Operation Rudolph anti-Christmas crime campaign, said people should keep lights on and use plug timers when out.

He also urged people to be aware of their surroundings on nights out and to always be able to make their way home safely.