BURGLARS are taking advantage of the season of goodwill - by plundering presents from homes across the South.

Hampshire police today urged householders to tighten security to avoid becoming a Christmas holiday crime statistic.

Lovingly wrapped presents have already been stolen from several homes across the Southampton area - and police fear dozens more will be targeted over Christmas and the New Year.

Several gifts were among a £1,000 haul taken during a break-in at Romsey Road, Shirley, including a desk-top toy, training shoes, a jig-saw, mountain bike and Sony PlayStation games system.

Christmas presents were also taken by burglars who targeted a home in Dunbar Close, Lordshill, where items which vanished included a video, hi-fi system, jewellery and compact discs.

Crime reduction officer Nigel Horton, based at Shirley police station, said: "At this time of year, burglars know there will be items of high value sitting inside houses.

"We would urge people not to leave presents on display, particularly if they can be seen from nearby footpaths.

"Generally people should lock all doors and windows and just take a few seconds to make the place looked lived-in, perhaps by leaving lights on or leaving a radio playing."

Bitterne crime reduction officer John Bailey said burglary figures had risen noticeably in the past month, particularly in homes where storms had blown down fencing.

Christmas presents have also been stolen from at least two homes in the Bitterne area, including one where the raiders unwrapped gifts at the scene and took only what they fancied.

Nationally, Home Office statistics show break-ins soar between the months of October and December, with almost 115,000 homes across Britain being burgled at a time when crooks know many are filled with brand new boxed goods.

Likewise insurance companies report a 25 per cent rise in domestic burglary claims between November and December.

TOP TIPS TO AVOID BEING A HOLIDAY STATISTIC:

* Lock all doors and windows especially low and easily accessible ones

* Light your garden to deter burglars and padlock any gates

* Don't hide keys under your doormat or on window ledges surrounding your front door as thieves know where to look

* Fit a burglar alarm

* If you are going away, ask a friend or neighbour to keep an eye on your house and remove any items left showing in the letterbox

* Mark expensive Christmas presents with your postcode by engraving or using a UV pen

* Take photographs of very expensive presents to aid identification if stolen

* Try not to position the tree right by a window as it will attract attention to presents

* Be extra vigilant when admitting strangers into your home

* Lock away extra alcohol and food supplies which can be tempting for burglars