Break-ins rise as burglars go for gifts

A spate of pre-Christmas break-ins has prompted police to warn people about security in the home.

A total of 10 burglaries were carried out in the Lincoln area last weekend and 11 the weekend before.

Lincolnshire Police has now asked for help from the public to clamp down on those causing misery in the run-up to Christmas.

Although burglary rates in the county are falling, police say there is always a surge in break-ins over Christmas as presents are gathered under the tree.

As the credit crunch deepens, there are fears burglaries could rise again.

Police believe many recent raids could have been avoided if home-owners had taken simple steps to secure their properties.

Now bosses at Lincolnshire Police are warning of the need to be vigilant.

Chief Inspector Kieran English said: "We see many incidents where residents have left their home unlocked and thieves simply walk in through the door.

"There are simple, common sense measures you can follow to reduce the risk of becoming a victim, such as checking your windows are locked, not leaving boxes or a ladder in the garden to assist access to your house and not leaving valuable items on display.

"We are making arrests of people we believe are carrying out burglaries in the area but we do need the help of residents too in order to crack down on the offences happening in the first place."

For more on the thieves who ruin Christmas, see Tuesday's Echo.