SPA shoppers are being warned by police to be on guard to prevent this year's Christmas gifts being stolen by thieves.

South Worcestershire police advised Droitwich residents to be 'wise men and women' when safeguarding their Christmas shopping.

"Members of the law-abiding public bearing gifts are a welcome seasonal sight for criminals," said chief inspector Alan Baldwin.

Police also warned about the increase in the number of incidents during the run-up to Christmas in the hope they can help prevent potential incidents in and around the town.

"The quantity and quality of their targets is greatly increased during the run-in to Christmas. This needs to be matched by an equal up-turn in personal vigilance and good, old-fashioned common sense.

"There is, in reality, a considerable amount that the public can do to ensure they have a happy Christmas and that all presents get to the people they are intended for and not to opportunist thieves," added chief inspector Baldwin.

Townsfolk are being advised by police that when out shopping they should make sure that personal belongings, particularly hand-bags, wallets, credit cards and mobile phones, are not carried or placed - even for only a few seconds - where an opportunist thief can reach them.

When out shopping, people should not take items back to the car and leave them there until they return later with even more. Someone may be watching the car and waiting for you to leave.

Also, shoppers should not leave presents on display when they are at home. Police warn that while they may look attractive under the Christmas tree they're even more appealing to opportunist thieves peering in un-curtained windows both in the daylight and now the nights have drawn in.

Chief inspector Baldwin added: "Following these simple golden rules will go a long way in decreasing crime and increasing Christmas enjoyment."