Christmas gifts '“ rich pickings for thieves

The next few weeks will see the amount and value of goods in most peoples' homes rise as they buy gifts.

The increased number of items provide more attractions for burglars.

Inspector John Merrick, of Bognor police station, said homeowners should make it difficult for those determined to get their hands on goods illegally.

"I would ask people not to leave their doors and windows open in one part of their house when they are in another room.

"They should also ensure that there is always a light on in their property after dark by using automatic timer switches," he stated.

He said a surge in house burglaries around Bognor in the past month had eased.

But the total number of break-ins from April 1 to last month was 119 to give a rise of 14 on the same period last year.

Insp Merrick said the police had been active in recent weeks in tackling those believed to be responsible for some of the burglaries.

"We have been arresting people on a daily basis," he commented. "We are detecting quite a few of these crimes."

Insp Merrick also warned motorists to remain vigilant in the run-up to Christmas.

They should not leave shopping on back seats or cram their boots with gifts.

These made easy pickings for opportunist thieves.

Those seeking to prey on others' vehicles have been having a harder time in Bognor in the past year.

Overall auto crime is down compared to 2006.