WYRE Forest shoppers have been called on to be "wise men and women" to protect their festive purchases.

"Members of the law-abiding public bearing gifts are a welcome seasonal sight for criminals," said Kidderminster crime risk manager, PC Ian White.

"The quantity and quality of their targets is greatly increased during the run-in to Christmas. This needs to be matched by an equal upturn 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."

Police tips to foil thieves include:

When out shopping, make doubly sure personal belongings, particularly handbags, wallets, credit cards and mobile phones, are not carried or placed where an opportunist thief can reach them.

Do not take items back to the car and leave them there until you return later with even more because someone could be watching and waiting for you to leave.

When you get the presents home, do not leave them on view to prying eyes - while they look attractive to you under a Christmas tree, they are even more appealing to opportunist thieves peering in through windows, both in daylight and now the nights have drawn in.