Kent Police has shared some tips on how to keep your home safe this Christmas.

There is usually an increase in the number of burglaries committed at this time of year due to the evenings getting longer and thieves knowing many homes will be full of expensive new gifts.

Police's Operation Castle campaign is designed to raise awareness of the steps you can take to keep your criminals at bay. The campaign will run until Friday, January 13.

Ch Insp Stephen Barlow said: "For many people Christmas is viewed as the season of goodwill, but rest assured that burglars do not take a break over the festive period and will continue to look for easy targets.

"It is important to consider how your house appears from the outside and whether or not it looks appealing to criminals. For example, are your Christmas presents on full display and have any doors or windows been left unopened or unlocked?

"If you are going to see friends or relatives, have you remembered to make it look like your home is still occupied by leaving lights or the radio on?

"Burglary is a terrible crime that has a lasting emotional impact on victims, but by taking a few simple measures we can all reduce the risk of our Christmases being ruined by those who seek to benefit by helping themselves to items that do not belong to them."

Tips include not leaving presents under the Christmas tree if they can be seen from outside, securing sheds and garages so criminals cannot gain access to tools, ensuring your gates are locked and that bins and other items cannot be used to help burglars climb over fences.