HAMPSHIRE police today urged householders across the county to do their bit to deter burglars over the festive period.

The force issued crime prevention advice in the hope of reducing the number of house break-ins over Christmas and the New Year.

Crime prevention officer John Beaumont said: "It is very difficult to make your home burglar-proof.

"However, to defeat most would-be thieves, you only have to make it harder for them to break in and reduce the chances of them finding your home an attractive target."

Advice from Hampshire police includes:

Do not make a display of presents that can be seen from the streets outside.

It could tempt a burglar to break in.

Take down the serial or model numbers of expensive presents and keep each of them in a different place.

This may make it easier to trace such items if they are stolen.

Leave a light on if you are going out for the evening.

This will help to make it look like someone is at home.

If you are going away over Christmas, buy a timer switch for a light to come on for a few hours each evening.

This will help to make it look as though the premises are occupied.

Keep doors and windows locked when you are out.

Tell neighbours if you are going away for some time over the festivities.

They can keep an eye on your house and can check for any post that may build up over the time you are away from home.

Do not leave any large electrical boxes outside next to your rubbish bins.

It alerts people that you may have new, expensive equipment in your home.

Police in Southampton have launched a major crackdown to rid the city's streets of burglars.

Operation Boa, a joint initiative between police, Southampton City Council and the Daily Echo, kicked off with a plea for the public's help.

Anyone with information about burglars, people who handle stolen goods and premises where stolen property changes hands is asked to help by calling the free and anonymous Southern Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.