Police are warning people to lock all the windows and doors of their house and cars in areas across Merseyside.
It comes as an increase in the number of thefts, potential break-ins and burglaries are being reported across the region in the run up to Christmas.
Merseyside Police has launched Operation Shepard, which is the force's annual campaign to reduce crime and keep communities safe during the festive season.
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Police said more officers will be seen patrolling areas on the run up to Christmas and into New Year.
Today police reported there has been an increase in car thefts in the South Liverpool area in L25, L19, L24 postcodes.
This week, police have also issued a warning to people in St Helens following a spate of car thefts throughout the area in the lead up to Christmas.
They said they are now increasing patrols across parts of the borough and are working to engage with members of the community and provide advice on making sure people are securing their homes and valuables.
The move comes following an increase in car thefts across in the Parr and Newton-le-Willows area of St Helens in the last week.
As well as making their presence known in hot spot areas, they have advised all residents to lock their vehicles and send any doorbell of CCTV footage of offenders their way.
Last week, James, 34, from Crosby, contacted the ECHO to warn other residents to keep safe in the run up to Christmas after 'unnerving' CCTV footage emerged.
The 34-year-old was fast asleep in his home on Moorfield Road when he claims a man tried to force entry into his car and property.
It wasn't until he saw people posting in a community Facebook group about a man trying car doors and attempting to enter homes that he checked his own CCTV.
Once he checked through the footage he claims he saw a man walk up to his car and try the door handle before trying to get onto his property through a side gate.
When James first saw the footage he said he found it 'very unnerving'.
He told the ECHO previously that he wanted to warn others to be vigilant, especially around this time of year.
He said: "It's devastating when something like this happens to you, and when you're in the run up to Christmas and people can't afford to lose their car, might have Christmas presents stolen.
"I'd urge everyone to keep a look out and just make sure everything is locked.
"Me and my wife both check our cars, the doors and windows just to make sure everything is secure."
A spokesperson said: "At around 9.30am yesterday morning (Tuesday, December 7) officers were made aware of an attempted burglary on Moorfield Road in Liverpool.
"The incident was reported to have happened at 1.50am on Sunday, December 5 when a man attempted to force entry into an address and a car on the property.
"Anyone with information is asked to DM @MerPolCC on Twitter or Merseyside Police Contact Centre on Facebook using reference 21000846783 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111."
Police guidelines to securing your vehicle:
- Check for visual cues to confirm the car is double locked (after a double-click of the lock button on your) as you walk away. The indicators flash as the alarm is set and in some cases wing mirrors fold in as permanent confirmation that the car is secure
- Do not store “key-free” / passive key fobs just inside your front door within close range of a car parked outside. Store further away, in a suitable metal box or shielded pouch this includes your spare key fob.
- Every time a car is serviced please ask for checks to be made for any security software upgrades or other recommended modifications. It is important to visit a dealer, especially with an older car, to receive any outstanding updates
Police guidelines to securing your home:
Double secure
- Simply shutting the door won’t prevent burglaries. Double-lock the door every single time you leave the house.
- Modern multi-locking and uPVC doors use a system of hooks and latches to secure the door but these only work if you lift up the handle and then remember to turn and remove the key. Remember – lift, lock and remove.
Doors and windows
- Controlling access to your home starts with securing doors and windows. To see how your home compares and to get more advice with our top tips, visit our pages on Control access with doors you can trust and Prevent access through your windows.
