Burglaries are up 20 per cent on last year’s figures, police revealed today as they advised the public to remain vigilant over the holiday season.

Superintendent Sean Field-Lament said at a press conference that there have been 733 burglaries reported in 2016 compared with 603 last year. He said this was “cause for concern”, adding that he was also concerned that 86 burglaries took place since November 1 and that 32 occurred in the East End.

“It’s starting to feel a little bit like the Grinch who stole Christmas. We are trying to help the public by giving appropriate crime prevention messages and commonsense approach to minimise the risk of becoming a victim,” Mr Field-Lament said. “We really want to urge people to take real care of their residence and property over the Christmas holidays.”

Acting Detective Chief Inspector Dave Greenidge offered specific advice to the public. “One of the trends we have recognised is that a number of the burglaries were avoidable,” he said. “Residents have been keeping their doors or windows open. It is important that you check your residence prior to leaving the house.

“Please avoid advertising any purchases of your expensive items, such as electronic devices, by putting the boxes outside your house — take them to the dump yourself or tear up the boxes. These are indications to criminals that you are not at home or you have expensive items in your residence. If you minimise the opportunity, you certainly minimise the risk.”

Mr Greenidge advised the public to report any suspicious activity to the police. He said: “We wouldn’t advise you to challenge those people, but please give us a call at 911 and we will certainly endeavour to get a police officer to the area.

“This is a period when there are a lot of social events going on and that also creates the situation for people to be victims of crime. Don’t advertise your expensive jewellery; tuck them into your shirt, and when going to ATMs at night, please travel in pairs. These are simple, commonsense approaches to avoid being victims of crime.

“From a business standpoint? Cash. Ensure that you utilise a security company and ensure there are staff at the business at any given time, You can stagger your business hours.”

He also said to avoid leaving gifts and bags visible in cars, advising use of the trunk.