Don't let criminals spoil your Christmas.

That's the message to people from police across Breckland following a series of burglaries and an attempted break-in.

Seven properties have been targeted over the past week - three in Thetford, two in Dereham, one in Banham and one in Watton.

Householders have bene urged to take simple crime prevention measures, especially in the run-up to Christmas, when it is easy to be distracted.

Specific advice includes:

*Always make sure your doors and windows are securely closed and locked when leaving your home.

*Don't hide Christmas presents in sheds or outbuildings which are insecure and easily broken into.

*Don't pile Christmas presents up under a Christmas tree, especially if the tree is in full view of a house window. Wait until Christmas Eve to place presents under the tree.

*If you have a house alarm, use it. Get into the habit of setting the alarm. It only takes a few seconds. A house alarm may seem like an expensive purchase but it is well worth it. Homes with a house alarm are much less likely to be broken into and the cost is a small price to pay for your peace of mind.

*If you aren't already part of one, think about starting a Home Watch scheme in your road. Talk to your neighbours to see if you can get a few like minded residents to join you in your efforts to keep the burglars out. Advice on this can be obtained from the local police station.

For more crime prevention tips, contact your local Safer Neighbourhood team on 101 or visit Norfolk.police.uk