Grinches are out to steal Christmas

SAFE-KEEPING: Senior Constable Michelle O'Rielley demonstrates how to use an ultraviolet pen to mark Christmas gifts. Picture: MICHAEL MILNES Source: AdelaideNow

Small, expensive and easily portable items like laptop computers, iPods and iPads, jewellery and cameras are popular with thieves all year round.

But Christmas is especially enticing for them, as the items are usually brand new, still in their boxes, and even easier to on-sell for cash.

There are plenty of things you can do to keep your precious presents safe - before and after Christmas, according to SA Police crime prevention state co-ordinator Senior Sergeant Joanne Howard.

"There are a number of simple crime-prevention tips - start with ensuring there are appropriate locking devices on all doors and windows," Sen-Sgt Howard said. "When you're out, and even when you're at home, make sure all doors and windows are locked."

It is also important to avoid raising a potential thief's interest in your goods by keeping prying eyes out of your home.

"Don't leave expensive items where they can be easily seen through a window," she said.

Sen-Sgt Howard said laptop computers, jewellery, cash, car keys and small electronic items, like iPods and cameras, were theft targets - things that were easily portable with a high monetary value.

Insurance company RAA said the most attractive items for thieves were jewellery, cash, laptops, game consoles and their games and cameras.

Once the wrapping paper is off, gift recipients should take some precautions to make sure their new gifts were less attractive to burglars, Sen-Sgt Howard said.

When it comes to putting out the packaging in the recycling or rubbish, be discreet.

Also, once the new gifts are in the house, mark them.

"Use your driver's licence number and prefix that number with `S' for South Australia. With an item like a plasma TV they may not want to electronically engrave it, so use an ultraviolet pen or a microdot," Sen-Sgt Howard said.

A microdot is a tiny dot which cannot been seen by the naked eye, which can be applied at home and registered with a service provider.

Contact your local Neighbourhood Watch or Watch SA for more details.

Sen-Sgt Howard also recommends making a list of all the serial numbers of electronic items and keeping that list in a safe place.