Families warned over burglars posing as white van Christmas couriers to raid homes

With thousands of vans on the roads at this time of year, the burglars are using them as a 'Christmas cloak'.

The raiders can pull up in the street or in driveways in white vans and start brazenly loading up their haul.

It's thought some even take flat packs of unopened cardboard boxes into houses and fill them with items – even large-screen TV sets.

The getaway vans don't arouse suspicion at this time of year – neighbours think it's just another Christmas courier.

Late afternoon and early evening hours of darkness are used by many criminals to launch an attack before people get home from work.

And with many people shopping for gifts, at parties, delivering presents or visiting friends, burglars can often take their time, raiding homes well into the the night.

Families have been warned to keep homes secure, with doors and windows fully locked when they are out.

Bikes, phones, tablets, laptops, cameras and games consoles are top targets for criminals, found the insurer's claims data.

You should avoid placing such items in public view, such as under the Christmas tree by the window.

Top 10 items on burglars 'shopping list' in December

SECURITY TIPS FROM DIRECT LINE

  • Fit a good quality, approved alarm – look out for British Standard BS4737
  • Fit key-operated metal locks to all your accessible window
  • Check the identity of callers before opening your door fully – a chain or a 'spyhole' will hel
  • Always lock up garden tools and ladders – they can be used to break into your home
  • Trim garden hedges so that doors and windows can be seen and no-one can hid
  • Make sure the area around your home is well lit
  • Always lock your shed or garage, specially if it has a connecting door to your hous
  • Security-mark your valuables with your postcode, and photograph them if possible
  • If you are worried about anything, ask for a visit from your local Crime Prevention Officer

After December 25th, packaging for valuable items should be carefully discarded and not left uncovered in the street, say experts.

Direct Line advises people to make sure there are deadlocks or key-operated security bolts on all external doors and to never leave spare keys in secret hiding places – burglars know exactly where to look

It's also a good idea to keep the area around your home well lit, with hedges and trees trimmed.

Even a 'Beware of the Dog' sign helps – and you don't even need to own a dog.

A Direct Line spokesman says: "Anyone thinking of buying – or receiving – something like an Xbox or PlayStation for Christmas should be wary, even to the extent of putting the packaging out where passers-by can spot it."

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