Whilst it is impossible to prevent this type of crime from happening in every situation, there is so much that householders can do to make their property a less attractive target to burglars. 

Restrict access to your back garden by having a solid fence and lockable gate. 

Reduce the height to all foliage to allow good surveillance to the front of your home.

Always lock your doors and windows, even when just popping to the shops. The use of deadlocks on all outside doors is best. Do not leave keys in locks or in plain view from outside.

Marking your property will also act as a deterrent to thieves, who do not want to be caught holding or passing on easily identifiable stolen items.

Remember to register all identifiable property with a serial number on to the free National database called IMMOBILISE. This free service is accessed by all police services throughout the UK to check for stolen property.

Having low-level, exterior lighting can also provide a deterrent as it removes areas of shadow which are so popular with burglars. The use of dusk-till-dawn exterior lighting can be very attractive and cost-effective. 

Police also advise home owners to invest in home security alarms. 

If your home is going to be unoccupied at any time after dusk, the use of some simple timers to bring on lights in a staggered pattern can convey the impression that there is someone at home.  

Join or start up a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme.

In support of all residents over this festive time Surrey Police are committing addition uniform patrols, roads policing and covert directive policing interventions. 

Any resident of Surrey can request a free home and property security survey. All you have to do to call 101 and ask to be put through to your local Specialist Neighbourhood Team.