SHOPPERS were urged to keep those gifts under wraps and not make it a special Christmas for the light-fingered fraternity.

The Bobby Lobby Saturday session at Asda's Chandler's Ford supermarket switched into festive gear to drive home the message that Christmas can turn into rich pickings for heartless thieves.

Eastleigh crime reduction officer Barbara White said: "It is a time of year for celebrations but we have still got to be careful and look after our property."

She said that people were vulnerable because with so much to think about at Christmas there was a tendency for minds to wander off security.

But as Asda shoppers left the store to fill their cars with Christmas purchases Barbara was hoping that security would not take a back seat.

She said: "Lots of people buy high-value electrical goods and they should not be left unattended in the car."

She also advised people not to pile up presents around the Christmas tree before the big day. Time switches should also be used if people were not at home.

Shoppers left the Chandler's Ford store with another message ringing in their ears: "Crime prevention is not just for Christmas but for life."

Seasonal Christmas cards were also handed out with a "Keep Your Gifts Under Wraps" message.

Another carried "The Ghost of Christmas Presents" warning with a picture of a burglar laden with Yuletide goodies, setting off hot foot from a house.

Held in the Asda foyer, the Bobby Lobby scheme gives local residents a chance to talk face to face with officers about policing matters. Police officers also played Santa offering youngsters a chance to win a mountain bike in a draw. The next Bobby Lobby will be on Saturday December 15 between midday and 3pm.

And as the party scene gets into full swing the dangers of drinking and driving will be brought under the spotlight.