Police are encouraging people to keep on top of their home safety after a spate of break-ins in the Ipswich and Martlesham Heath areas in which presents were stolen.

Personal items, including watches, and money were also stolen in the raids

A Suffolk Constabulary spokesman said: "Many people only think about home security after they have been burgled.

"We want to encourage people to review this before they fall victim to crime.

“There are a lot of simple things you can do, which don’t have to be expensive, such as using a timer so that a light automatically comes on at a time of your choosing when you’re not there.”

Christmas presents were unwrapped and stolen from a Martlesham Heath property after someone forced entry to the home by breaking a window in the rear French doors.

Personal items including watches and some paperwork were also stolen from a property in Inverness Road in Ipswich after a person pulled a rear window off its hinges before gaining entry to the property.

A man has been charged in connection with one count of burglary and two counts of attempted burglary - all of which occurred in Ipswich.

The Suffolk police spokesman has encouraged people to take care when posting things on social media and has encouraged people to refrain from posting when they are away from their homes and on holiday.

He added: “People are also asked to consider, where possible, installing smart technology such as a doorbell camera or the fitting of good quality locks/alarms – the Secured By Design website is police accredited and contains lots of useful advice.

“We encourage people to photograph valuable items and to register on the Immobilise website - this is a national property register and this then enables police to identify recovered property if stolen and return to rightful owners, and it is free to use.”

If you notice any suspicious activity or believe a crime to be in progress you are urged to call the police immediately on 999.