POLICE in Ryedale are warning people not to make ready-wrapped presents easy pickings for thieves over Christmas.

The calls came after a district-wide survey showed less than half the population had spent anything on crime prevention measures in the last year.

And as residents stockpile expensive presents in the run-up to Christmas, police are concerned opportunist thieves will make the most of the festive period.

Sergeant Cliff Edens, commanding officer for Helmsley and Kirkbymoorside, said there was an annual increase in house burglaries over the winter period.

He said the best way to deter them was to take steps to implement crime prevention measures.

"We always encourage people to make it look as though someone is in, that's the secret. The best advice I can give is to leave lights on, leave radios playing, and draw the curtains at night to make it look as though someone is in the house."

He said many burglaries in Ryedale were carried out by opportunist thieves who could be easily deterred.

He said: "Crime prevention measures like outside security lights will deter them because they don't like to be lit up so people can see them.

"It's a good idea not to leave presents on show, but it's not worth spoiling the festivities.

"There is an increase in the number of burglaries at this time of year, but we are not talking about major amounts.

"We are talking about the opportunist thief who chances upon a house."

Police figures released last week showed only 127 burglaries out of more than 20,400 homes in Ryedale.

Ana Richards, from Ryedale Community Safety Partnership, said steps could still be taken to prevent thieves ruining a family Christmas.

She said: "People should ensure that presents, both bought and received, are not on open view in their home, especially if they are going out.

Updated: 11:27 Saturday, December 15, 2001