PEOPLE HAVE BEEN warned not to leave boxes from their Christmas presents outside for waste disposal as they could alert potential thieves to what can be found in the house.

Police in London say that leaving boxes from computer consoles, high-end electronics, smartphones or other Christmas presents outside homes can serve as an advert for what’s inside at a time of year when burglaries are particularly high.

“Burglary is a distressing crime that can have lasting emotional effects on the victims, who no longer feel safe in their homes,” said police Superintendent Chris Hafford of the London Metropolitan Police.

Police have advised people to lock all doors and windows, even if only going out for a few minutes, lock sheds and garages, leave valuables out of sight, and leave some lights on if it will be dark before you get home.

London police have brought in a new approach to tackling burglary by using a computer algorithm to produce crime maps which show hotspots for burglaries, allowing for resources to be targeted at particular areas.

Police have also asked second hand traders to sign up to a voluntary agreement to not knowingly sell stolen property and allow police to examine their stock.

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