ELDERLY people whose homes have been burgled in the past 18 months are set to be visited by police as part of a Christmas crime clampdown.

Over the next week officers from Great Harwood Police Station will offer advice and support as well as their comprehensive knowledge on how to keep their homes secure.

Police said burglars were always on the lookout for homes full of festive goods in the run up to Christmas.

Operation Chestnut will seek to reassure elderly residents and prevent houses being ransacked by heartless thieves.

Special packs containing advice and information will also be given to victims.

Sergeant Ian Corbett said: "We will be offering ourselves as a further point of contact - particularly in the days leading up to Christmas - to show our commitment to supporting victims of crime.

"Christmas is a time when there are often valuables in houses, not just presents but all the extra food and drink we stock up on in the festive season.

"Unfortunately this gives burglars an ideal opportunity to do their Christmas shopping at our expense."

According to Sgt Corbett statistics show that ever year the number of burglaries increases between October and January.

He added: "We can help prevent heartbreak as well as keep insurance premiums down."

Sgt Corbett said simple tips on protecting homes could be effective. These include fitting an alarm, making sure deadlocks are fitted to outside doors and making sure valuables are kept out of view.

And keys, he added, should be kept away from windows and letterboxes where they can be easily reached.

Police are also urging residents to mark their possessions with an ultra violet marker pen or etching kit, which can be done free of charge at any library in Hyndburn.