PEOPLE should hide their Christmas presents until the last moment to help prevent crime, according to police.

Crime prevention advice from Lancashire Police’s Jan Brown has warned homeowners that visible gifts under trees can be tempting to passing thieves.

She said: “Having bought all those wonder-ful presents, don’t make it easy for someone to steal from your home.

“Keep them out of sight until last thing on Christ-mas Eve and if you ‘hide’ or store larger items such as bicycles in the shed or outbuildings, make sure the buildings are very secure.”

Other tips include taking serial numbers of bikes and electrical gear and not leaving empty boxes outside as clues.