The Met Police has issued a friendly reminder that not everyone that visits your house this festive season will be bringing Christmas joy.

Christmas is a time for presents and seeing all the family but it is also the time when we see a spike in burglaries.

The poster put out by the police shows Santa and a burglar, both holding big sacks but both with very different motives.

It says: "Not everyone who visits at Christmas is welcome. Take steps to make your house secure by getting timers to turn lights on, fit alarms and keep presents and valuables out of view."

Here are some tips on keeping your house and family safe this Christmas.

Make sure your alarms work

Get an external light for people that walk past your house

Set timers on your lights even if you are in the house

Notify a neighbour if you are going away

Don't leave presents by the window for anyone to see

Double lock your doors

Check your windows before you leave the house

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