FAMILIES have been warned that raiders pretending to be Christmas delivery drivers are breaking into homes and stealing presents.

With thousands of vans on the road, there is a surge in thieves posing as couriers, using the Christmas delivery buzz as a cloak to steal from unattended homes.

They pull up in streets and driveways pretending to be key workers, break into homes and load up their haul without neighbours suspecting a thing.

They often take advantage of the late afternoon and early evening darkness, committing the crime before homeowners return from work.

Reports suggest they even take flat packs of unopened cardboard boxes into houses and fill them with valuable items – some as big as large-screen TV sets.

Raiders are then able to carry the "parcels" out to their van, with onlookers thinking it is a standard courier collecting unwanted "returns".

Getaway vans are less likely to arouse suspicion at this time of year as Christmas ramps up the delivery business.

The pandemic might also be aiding these crimes – onlookers might not notice fake couriers as many families are relying on delivery drivers to avoid the shops.

Families have been warned to keep homes secure, with doors and windows fully locked when they are out, even if it's only for ten minutes.

TIPS FOR KEEPING HOME SAFE FROM BURGLERS

Direct Line say these are there top tips to avoid having to put through a burglary claim:

• Fit a good quality, approved alarm

• Look out for British Standard BS4737 Fit key-operated metal locks to all your accessible windows

• Check the identity of callers before opening your door fully – a chain or a 'spyhole' will help

• 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 hide

• Make sure the area around your home is well lit

• Always lock your shed or garage, especially if it has a connecting door to your house

• 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

Bikes, phones, tablets, laptops, cameras and games consoles are top prizes for criminals.

Home owners should avoid placing valuables in public view, such as under the Christmas tree by the window.

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

A Direct Line insurance spokeswoman said: "With Christmas shopping now in full swing, households should not be complacent about home security.

"Burglary claims can peak during December, which reinforces the importance of taking steps to secure your home.

"It would be heart-breaking to lose presents simply because the house was not properly secured.

Top 10 items on burglars ‘shopping list’ in December

• 1 Bicycles
• 2 Mobile Phones
• 3 Tablets (i.e. iPad)
• 4 Laptops
• 5 Cameras
• 6 Power tools
• 7 Golf equipment
• 8 Audio equipment
• 9 Games Consoles
• 10 Gardening equipment ends

"It's also worth bearing in mind that as people head out to Christmas parties or to seek some winter sun, householders should take simple security measures to deter potential thieves.

"This can be done by using a timer to turn lights on and off or if away for an extended period of time, asking a trusted friend or neighbour to collect any post that has piled up."

Direct Line advises people to make sure there are deadlocks or key-operated security bolts on all external doors.

They warn families 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.

Unsurprisingly, there is a huge drop in burglary rates come Christmas Eve – as raiders settle down to enjoy their turkey and stuffing like everyone else.

Burglary claims nosedive on Christmas Eve (65 per cent down on the yearly average), Christmas Day (56 per cent down) and Boxing Day (41 per cent down).

But the raiders are likely to continue their scams after Christmas, when new presents have filled people's houses.

Direct Line say that four of the top 10 items stolen in the year – tablets, laptops, cameras and audio equipment – all have their highest rate of claims immediately after Christmas.

They say: "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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