LOCAL POLICE have issued advice on how to stay safe during the festive season, following a number of burglaries in the Wokingham area.

According to the latest statistics on Police.UK, there were 63 cases of burglary from January to October just in the Wokingham Town area this year, and according to the Thames Valley Police burglaries are once again on the rise across Berkshire.

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As a result of this, advice on how to prevent burglaries at home has been issued to residents by a Police co-ordinator for Wokingham.

Karen Collins, Police Admin/Co-ordinator for Wokingham, said: "Thames Valley Police have seen a recent rise in burglaries and are asking the public to take steps to prevent thieves from stealing your Christmas spirit.

"If you are staying home please don’t leave your presents in view, lock your doors and windows even if you only pop out for a short period of time, light up your home using a timer switch when you are out, close and secure gates that lead to rear or enclosed gardens, don’t advertise your gifts on social media, don’t leave packaging next to your bin, and register your new presents online.

"Please visit www.thamesvalley.police.uk for further crime prevention advice.

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"Please contact us if you have any information relating to crime in your neighbourhood. Report online at www.thamesvalley.police.uk call us on 101 or in an emergency dial 999.

"Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on free phone 0800 555 111.

"We wish you a Happy Holiday Season."

For more information, visit https://member-admin.neighbourhoodalert.co.uk.