Peterborough: Christmas Presents Stolen

18 December 2013, 06:38 | Updated: 18 December 2013, 06:40

Police are investigating a burglary in which Christmas presents were stolen from the home of an elderly couple.

The burglary happened between 7.45pm and 8.40pm on Sunday (December 15) at a house in Blackmead, Orton Malborne, Peterborough.

An intruder is believed to have walked in through a door while only the male victim, who is 81, was at home, gone upstairs and made off with the presents that were intended for family members.

They included personalised towels, pyjamas, men's and women's fragrances and a watch.

A walnut box, described as a family heirloom, was also stolen containing personal documents.

Crime reduction officer Helen O'Driscoll said: "This is a callous crime against an elderly couple who had bought the presents for their loved ones this Christmas.

"I would urge anyone with information about their whereabouts to contact police."

Helen said it was important to keep presents out of sight and doors locked.

On Monday, home security was the focus of the force's Get Closer to Christmas campaign.

The following crime prevention advice was offered:

* Before you put presents under the tree gifts make sure they're stored out of sight, such as in closed wardrobes or under beds

* Ideally put your Christmas presents under the tree on Christmas Day morning, particularly if it's visible from windows or doors

* After you've finished unwrapping all your gifts, to avoid burglars getting any ideas of what expensive presents you have in your home, put cardboard boxes or packaging properly broken down so it fits into your recycling and waste bins.

Anyone with information about the burglary should contact PC Jason Hancock at Thorpe Wood Police Station on 101, or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.