Police have launched a crackdown on winter burglaries and as part of this are urging residents to take extra care.

Operation Intervene aims to tackle burglary and theft by targeting travelling criminals intent on stealing from houses during the run-up to Christmas.

And they have launched a list of tips residents can use to help reduce the risk of having your home burgled.

They include:

•            Windows and Doors – make sure all windows and doors are not only shut at night or when you're not at home but also locked. Don't leave valuable items or car keys on display. They just may well catch the attention of someone passing by. Fit mortice locks or bolts to all outside doors and gates and locks to all downstairs or easily accessible windows. Lock them even when you're at home – opportunist thieves will often just try doors in the hope they have been left open. Consider anti-snap lock barrels as we are seeing an increase in lock attack type offences.

•            Alarms – Have an approved alarm system installed – ask your insurance company for advice. Always remember to activate it when you go out. Consider a CCTV system or video doorbell.

 •            Security Lights Internal and External – Fit an approved, motion sensor security light – this not only serves as a safety device for you but also as a deterrent to any potential burglars approaching the house. When you're not at home use automatic timer switches to turn on your lights when it goes dark to make it look like someone is in.

 •            Front Door and Letterbox – Consider chains, especially if you have no front door viewer. Use letterbox restrictors and don't leave car keys in sight as thieves sometimes use hook and canes in order to steal car keys.

•            Driveway – Gravel driveways are noisy when you walk on them are a deterrent to thieves thinking of breaking into your house.

•            Vehicles – make sure all windows, sunroofs and doors are locked when a vehicle is left unattended, even if just a few minutes. Remove valuables from vehicle completely.

•            Wheelie Bins – Don't leave your recycling bins out as they can be used as a step to climb over a high wall or fence. Also think about your Christmas packaging, is this an advert for what new appliances your home has?

•            Garden, Gates and Fences – Prevent intruders getting to the back and sides of your home by installing strong fencing or gates. Check for weak spots where a thief could get into your garden, for example, a low or sagging fence, or a back gate with a weak lock. A thorny hedge along the boundary can put thieves off. But make sure that passers-by can still see the front of your home so that a burglar can't work without being seen.

•            Sheds – Put all your tools away so that they cannot be used to break into your house, and lock your garage and shed with security locks or padlocks. Consider anchoring heavy and expensive items such a bike and lawn mowers to the floor to make it difficult for them to be stolen.

John O'Driscoll, Detective Inspector for Eastern Pro-Active CID, said: "Burglaries are an upsetting crime to deal with at any time of the year, but even more so at Christmas.

"We hope putting resources into tackling burglaries will complement our ongoing Operation Shield burglary prevention campaign which will reassure residents that we're covering all bases to protect the public from crime.

"While we continue to catch burglars, we would urge you to stay vigilant and utilise our advice and guidance on protecting your home from thieves."

DS Stephen Joyce, leading the operation, said: "This Operation will involve a number of plain clothes detectives, uniformed Beat officers and our colleagues on the Roads Policing Unit who will be deployed to the right areas at the right time.

"Our neighbourhood officers will also continue reassurance and high visibility patrols in key areas. I would urge you to contact police to report any suspicious activity - in many cases public support can make all the difference."

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