Burglars looking for ‘quick win’ opportunities at Christmas will be thwarted if people are alert, police have said.

Police in Suffolk and Norfolk asked residents across both counties to give the ‘gift of safety’ this Christmas, by looking out for vulnerable relatives and neighbours, in addition to thinking about their own home security.

“Leaving your house in total darkness is a sure sign no-one’s at home and an invitation to burglars,” said chief inspector Matt Rose. “Burglars look for quick win opportunities; they don’t want to run the risk of a confrontation so simply leaving a light on to give the impression someone is at home is often enough to deter them.”

Police asked people to interact with their neighbours and reassure them as it gets darker earlier, which can leave elderly people feeling more vulnerable and confined to their homes.

Suffolk’s police and crime commissioner Tim Passmore also joined the call: “If you are lucky enough to have friends and family around you at Christmas please spare a thought to those that find this time of the year particularly lonely.

“If you can spare a minute to pop in to check on neighbours who are on their own, I’m sure it would be greatly appreciated,” he said.

Police said taking the time to check on the welfare of a neighbour meant they could be reassured and made to feel safe.

The force also urged people to be sure their own home security was up to scratch.

“Checking that they have good home security measures and procedures in place will help make them less likely to be a victim of crime. This includes ensuring that they have adequate physical security such as robust door and window locks and that they routinely keep them secured,” said a police spokeswoman.

The force reminded residents to use the ‘close it, lock it, check it’ system for home security, double checking windows and doors were properly secured to help prevent burglary.

Anyone wishing to find out more about crime prevention advice and home security should contact their local crime reduction officer at Suffolk Police on 101.

The spokeswoman continued: “Police rely heavily on information from members of the public about crimes being committed.

“Officers continue to encourage everyone to remain vigilant to suspicious activity in their neighbourhoods, reporting anything they see or hear that seems out of place and help our communities to have a safe, crime-free Christmas.”