UNWITTING residents have been warned to protect themselves against criminals over Christmas.

Police say there is a spike in burglaries each year over the festive season, with opportunistic thieves pouncing to steal gifts and valuables.

This year there has already been three instances of callous crooks breaking into Clacton homes to grab wrapped Christmas presents.

And officers have appealed for residents to help them stamp out the trend.

Tendring crime prevention officer David Gillies said: “Every year we see a spike in burglaries nationally at this time of year.

“Traditionally burglars know that there are gifts and expensive items lying around and they take advantage of that.

“They also know that this is a holiday period and often people are away from their homes, sometimes visiting family, and that makes their homes easy targets.”

Police have compiled a list of precautions people can take to make sure they are not targeted.

They include locking all doors and windows carefully and making your house appear occupied even when you’re away using devices such as light and radio timers.

For a full list of crime prevention advice peope can check the ‘Be Safe’ and ‘My Neighbourhood’ tabs at essex.police.uk/home.aspx, or contact David Gillies on 101.