People who do not want to spend the festive season sorting out a home insurance claim are being advised not to let their guard down this Christmas.

PC Ian Solomon from Cleveland police said: "Whilst people are pre-occupied getting ready for the celebrations they are perhaps not as security conscious as they usually would be."

He stated it was important homeowners did not make life easy for thieves.

PC Solomon added in a third of break-ins, burglars gain access through an unsecured door or window.

Homeowners were advised to make it look as though there are people in their property, even when it is empty.

The police suggested investing in timers which can be used to make lights go on and off in different rooms.

Meanwhile, the force recently reported burglaries in Middlesbrough had decreased by 22.6 per cent between June and August, in comparison with the same period last year.

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