COPS are urging residents in Clent, Belbroughton and Hagley to ensure they do not become victims of crime this Christmas.

West Mercia Police are encouraging people to take precautions to keep their homes, valuables and vehicles safe.

Officers say crime in North Worcestershire remains low in comparison to many other parts of the country but they are reminding householders to take simple steps to make life more difficult for offenders.

PC Andy Wallace said: "Through the work of the force's burglary initiative, Citadel, we are being very pro-active and we are seeing the results of our focused operational activity every day.

"Unfortunately, however, while most people will be looking to relax and enjoy themselves, criminals will still be out and about looking for vulnerable homes and vehicles to target.

"By taking precautions to protect their property, residents can ensure their Christmas is a memorable one for all the right reasons."

Householders are warned never to leave presents where they can be seen from a door or window, and not to place them under the Christmas tree until the last moment.

People are also urged not to store gifts in wooden sheds, to use timer switches for radios when the house is unoccupied to give the impression someone is at home - and to leave lights on when out in the evening, or use low energy or dusk-to-dawn sensor lights.

Those going away for the festive season are urged to ensure alarms work and to ask neighbours to keep on eye on the property or consider joining a Neighbourgood Watch scheme.

People are also encouraged to property mark all new electrical gifts and other valuables such as mobile phones, MP3 players, bicycles, cameras and laptops - and register them for free on the Immobilise website www.immobilise.com After Christmas residents are urged to take boxes to recycling centres rather than leave them outside by the bin advertising to burglars there are expensive new items in the house.

Shoppers are urged not to leave gifts in cars as thieves target car parks, particularly close to Christmas, and may be waiting for people to bring bags of presents back to their cars before heading back to the shops.

People are also reminded to remain vigilant in busy stores, keep bags zipped up and have wallets, purses and other valuables out of sight in pockets if possible.

PC Wallace said: "We are confident the vast majority of people will have a thoroughly enjoyable Christmas but are issuing this advice to ensure they do all they can to secure their property.

"The more precautions people take, the harder it will be for thieves to disrupt the lives of law abiding residents.”