Christmas is a magical time of year and a wonderful sight. Especially to burglars!

The good news is that it doesn’t take much to improve security and deter those burglars. Spending money on security measures can seem daunting but it is an investment, it will last a long time and be more appealing to the house buyer.

Bridgend County Borough is a safe place to live and work but we can make it safer by taking a few simple steps to safeguard our home or apartment during the Christmas period.

Go around your property including outbuildings and imagine that you are a burglar. How would you break in? If you can think of a way in, so can a burglar.

* Plant nice thorny bushes at key points in your garden, like back walls and under windows is a cheap, natural (and legal) deterrent to burglars.

* Gravel and squeaky gates allows the burglar to be heard. Ensure access to the rear of your property is restricted. Padlock side gates.

* protect your property with good fencing. Fences at the back of your house may make the area more secure, but make sure solid fencing does not make it easy for a burglar to hide. Instead, chain-link fencing or trellises with prickly shrubs are a good idea.

* If you are storing larger presents in your shed. Ask yourself is it as secure as your home?

* Remember not to leave your house lit up like a Christmas tree, or too dark. Either option indicates to the burglar that no one is home. The simple way to get around this is through investing in a timer which controls interior and exterior lighting. So when your out, it appears someone is in. Also put a radio on, preferably tuned to a talk channel.

* Always lock all the doors and windows, including those in the garage. Home security is about prevention, and one simple way to prevent access to your home is to make entry to your house difficult. Fit window locks and ensure keys are removed. However, know where they are in case of an emergency.

* Window locks deter burglars because if a thief has to smash glass they will leave forensic evidence and draw attention to themselves.

* Deadlocks can make it harder for burglars to get out with your property if they got in through a window.

* Did you know patio doors are especially vulnerable to break in by taking the door off its tracks? Patio doors can be fitted with security bolts to stop lifting or forced entry.

* Never leave presents under the tree in full view from outside as this can attract the attention of thieves. Keep them out of sight until Christmas day.

* Once you opened all those lovely presents, don’t just discard the boxes. Criminals may wish to share your good fortune. Break them down or cover them up.

* If you have an alarm system, remember to use it. So many of us are busy at this time of year, it is easy to forget to use the security systems we already have.

* Register bike frame numbers, mobile phone IMEI numbers and other identifying details on www.imobilise.com the free, national property registration scheme

Don’t make it their Christmas, make it your Christmas. This message is brought to you by Safer Bridgend for further crime prevention advice please contact 01656 679 558.