RESIDENTS are being urged to give their homes a lived in look to stop Christmas coming early for burglars.

Superintendent Peter Crowcroft said: "We’re urging you to remain security conscious and to do everything you can to reduce the risk of being targeted by thieves.

“Take some time to assess your current security measures at home and see if they could be improved.

"It’s very easy to be distracted and to forget little things such as making sure doors and windows are locked.

“Sadly this is also the time of year when houses with valuables in are potentially attractive to the opportunist thief.”

Cheshire police and crime commissioner David Keane said: "Having your home burgled is a very distressing experience so for it to happen during the festive period is heart-rending.

“Please take the advice given to protect your home. Look out for your neighbours and report suspicious activity to police on 101.

Police have given these few simple steps to prevent burglary:

Consider using a timer to set your lights and radio to come on while you’re out.

Make sure all your doors and windows are secure.

Don’t leave valuables including purses, handbags and car keys on display or near external doors.

Don’t leave keys near the door or in view Consider security marking valuable items with your house number and postcode with a UV pen or mark it using property marking kits which consist of a traceable liquid to forensically mark valuables.