Home safety is at the forefront of any homeowners mind, especially during the festive season.

As holidaymakers head abroad in the winter months, it leaves their homes at risk especially when thieves know that Christmas gifts will be left unattended in the property.

With darker evenings, even leaving for a few hours could make the home a target.

Churchill Home Insurance reports the city hit the worst by this type of crime is Belfast with 64 in every 1,000 households reportedly burgled. 

Dr Claire Nee, Psychologist at the University of Portsmouth explained: “We’re busier than ever with work and other commitments, especially at this festive time of year so it’s not surprising that our homes are empty for part of the day." 

Experts have revealed how to keep the home and its valuables safe when leaving the home during the darker months.

Christmas lights

Will Butler, Group Marketing & Innovation Director at ERA Home Security told Express.co.uk on how to avoid falling into the Christmas trap and making the house an easy target when away.

Lighting could cause more problems than homeowners may realise as Butler explained: “Don’t run electricity cords for Christmas lights through window cracks as this creates an easy way for burglars to enter the home.”

Christmas shopping

Any last minute shopping could also alert burglars to any valuables being left in the house when it is empty.

Director of security and sales at Expert Security, Danny Scholfield told Express.co.uk: “When returning home from Christmas shopping, reverse your car on the drive, so when unloading the boot people can’t see what you’ve bought or walk past and take it while your inside.”

Cars can often freeze up during the winter which can also cause problems, with Schofield also explaining: “Don’t leave the car unattended and the engine running whilst you defrost it. 

“This is easily done especially when in a rush but remember vehicles are easily stolen this way."

Christmas presents

Leaving presents under the tree is inviting people to break in, especially if the house if left unattended for long periods of time.

According to Churchill Home Insurance, over a quarter of people in the UK (28 per cent) leave gifts under the tree before the 25th, where they could potentially be visible to people outside of the home.

It is advised to lock them away if leaving the house and to only get them out the day before.

Other ways Britons can make sure their home is safe when they are away during the winter months is to make sure a neighbour or friend can move any post that gets caught in a letterbox, whilst not leaving a key outside in a hidden location.

A good alarm system, and locking all windows and doors can stop a home being targeted.