Residents who do not want to start 2009 with a home insurance claim are being urged to be on their guard against burglars on New Year's Eve.

Police in Greater Manchester issued this advice because in the past the last evening of the year has witnessed a relatively high number of thefts by opportunistic criminals.

Spokesman Derek Hewitt explained: "Burglars expect people to be more relaxed and less cautious during the holiday season and take advantage of homes being unoccupied as people see in the new year."

Officers suggested residents lock all windows and doors, as well as making use of house alarms – to reduce their chances of being targeted by criminals.

The police also advised people to leave radios and lights on to make empty houses look occupied.

In related news, Greater Manchester police recently announced they were clamping down on burglary in the Middleton area with a new campaign called Operation Spin.

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