Police are looking to curb a potential spike in burglaries happening over the festive period.

Kent Police have launched its annual campaign to prevent burglaries and target those responsible.

Reports of burglaries tend to increase across the county as people leave their homes at night for Halloween, Bonfire Night and Christmas festivities.

There is also the attraction of new valuables to steal.

Chief Inspector Lara Connor from Kent Police said: "While preventing burglaries remains a year-long priority for Kent Police, historically there has been an increase in reports during the weeks between Halloween and Christmas.

"Our focus is on catching and convicting offenders whilst encouraging people to take simple crime prevention steps to keep their properties secure.

"Most burglaries are opportunistic and we want people to think about making it harder for thieves to steal, simple tips like disposing of packaging and delivery boxes rather than leaving them by your bins outside to advertise what you have in the house.

"Keep records of serial numbers, receipts and photographs of valuable items but store them away safely, so if you are a victim of burglary, your belongings will be too hot for thieves to sell on.

"Being a victim of burglary is horrible and it can feel invasive so we want to do all we can to make this even less likely to occur."

Police advise securing doors and windows before leaving the property, using CCTV and security lighting and putting timer switches on lights and radios on to make it look as though someone is home.

During the campaign officers and PCSOs working in the community safety units across the county will be providing crime prevention advice through surgeries, meetings and property-marking events. Details of events, along with further safety advice can be found by visiting the Kent Police website.

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