A GOODWILL message to stop people becoming victims of Christmas crime has been delivered by Warrington's community safety manager, Sgt Dave Betts.

Burglaries, vehicle and thefts all increase over the festive season when families spend time away from home, leaving plenty of top of the range presents up for grabs.

So with dark evenings closing in and Christmas approaching fast, Sgt Betts has put together a string of tips to ensure a crime free Christmas and New Year.

Shoppers should avoid going back repeatedly to cars with presents. Thieves could be waiting to strike.

Drivers should leave their cars on well lit streets, check doors are locked and consider installing alarms.

Make sure presents are will hidden from sticky-fingered thieves, not just from the children.

If you go out, leave lights on with the curtains closed, switch on outside lights and leave a radio on, so it looks like someone is home.

If taking a holiday over Christmas, ask neighbours to check on your home and leave a set of keys.

If you see something suspicious, call police. You may prevent a Christmas crime.

Check on elderly residents.

Finally, says Dave, please be careful.

Don't fall into the trap of thinking 'it will never happen to me.'

With care and common sense, crime can be prevented, stopping some unlucky person becoming a victim.

If you have any information about a crime, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to shop a robber this Christmas.