Police officers in south Cumbria are working hard to reduce burglary in the run up to Christmas.

Cumbria Police launched their annual campaign earlier this week to help people keep their property safe and reduce burglary and theft in the lead up to Christmas.

The “Don’t Let Thieves Steal Your Christmas” campaign urges people to be vigilant against burglary as the nights grow darker and expensive gifts are being bought for Christmas.

The warning comes as the national Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) launch their ‘In Focus – Burglary and Handling Stolen Goods Week’. This week focuses on action against burglary and stolen goods as, historically, November is a peak month for burglaries.

Since April 2013 ‘burglary inside a dwelling’ (BIAD) has seen an increase in Barrow, compared to April 2012. Since September ‘burglary other than a dwelling’ (BOTD) is also increasing in Barrow, though is still less than this time last year. Kendal has seen more BOTD since April than this time last year.

In Kendal, officers are treating burglary as priority area and patrols will be deployed to help prevent and solve burglary cases. Advice will be given to local people about simple steps they can take to prevent being victims of theft.

Across south Cumbria the community safety team will be working with local shops and bars to ensure they have all the necessary security precautions in place during the busy festive season. They will also be handing out leaflets to members of the public on how to safely fit an alarm system.

Inspector Mike O’Hagan, of Barrow Police, said: “South Cumbria is generally a very low crime area – however, people do still need to be careful over the festive period and protect their belongings.

“Keep your presents away from windows and doors, and identify expensive items with your postcode with a UV pen. I also urge people to dispose of packaging carefully – don’t advertise your expensive new games console to thieves!

“It is also very important to keep all doors and windows locked – even if you are at home. The time it takes you to take a quick nap is all the time a thief needs to sneak into the house and steal valuables.

“We want everyone to enjoy a merry and crime free Christmas and New Year. Anyone with any concerns should call Cumbria Police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

There are precautions that you can take to ensure that your Christmas isn’t blighted by criminals:

• Never leave your new presents in sight of a doorway or window - this is an open advertisement to potential burglars

• Lock your doors and windows of your home and vehicles

• Don’t put empty boxes or packaging outside your home to advertise what new gadgets or gifts you’ve received

• Use timer switches for lights and radios when you leave your home to celebrate over Christmas and New Year

• Contact police to help security mark all your new electrical and valuable gifts

• Take advantage of the free bike marking events to prevent thieves taking your bicycles

• If you have a house alarm, ensure it works and use it

• Secure outhouses and sheds

• If you are going away over Christmas or New Year, ask someone you trust to keep an eye on your home

• Look after your neighbours and report ANY suspicious activity, people or vehicles to police immediately on 101.

For more information about protecting your property and belongings, visit http://www.cumbria.police.uk/news/campaigns/dont-let-thieves-steal-your-christmas