Many people receive electronic gifts at Christmas but fall prey to opportunistic thieves.

Although the theft of mobile phones is reducing across London, down 33.7% from last year, there is typically a spike around December and January.

This is due to people usually carrying their latest Christmas gifts with them, making them targets.

Places mobile phones are most likely to be stolen:

  • Public transport 38%
  • Pubs and clubs 30%
  • Workplace 19%
  • Elsewhere 8%
  • On the street 6%

Women are also more likely targets than men, with 56% of all victims female.

In terms of age, those between 20 and 24 are the most likely to get their stuff nicked.

The warning also comes as many people flock to the New Year sales to snap up a bargain, as 34% fall prey to pick pockets.

Another 40% of phones are swiped after being left in an unattended building, 11% are stolen during burglaries, 10% are robbed and five percent snatched from cars and vans.

Some top tips to keep your gadgets safe this festive season is to take care when using your phones in public.

Holding your phone away from the road side makes it harder for those on bikes and mopeds to snatch it out of your hand.

Always leaving items out of sight inside cars helps deter criminals.

Commander Simon Letchford, from the Metropolitan Police Service, said: "Whether shopping or enjoying a night out, people need be aware of what they are carrying with them.

"Expensive gadgets make them ideal targets for thieves. They should take as much care of their phones as they would with their other valuables - they would be reluctant for example to openly display hundreds of pounds worth of cash in the street.

"There are a number of practical steps they can take to help protect their property - and which will give us the best chance in the event of a robbery or theft of getting their mobiles back to them."

Have you had your phone stolen? Leave your comments below