Santa Claus isn't the only person determined to get into houses quietly over the Christmas season.

Thieves know there will be rich pickings over the festive period -- and present-packed homes prove to be tempting targets.

Despite the Bermuda Police Service's warnings to exercise commonsense and caution over the holiday season, inevitably there are always a few unsuspecting locals who fall victim to raiders.

But following a few simple rules can help prevent a `grinch' from stealing your Christmas.

Christmas parties are the perfect opportunity for strangers to "case the joint'' with a view to an unannounced return visit.

Police recommend keeping valuables, including wrapped Christmas gifts, out of sight.

And for those who will be constantly out and about this holiday season, remember to exercise commonsense before you leave the house.

Before you leave your home, close and lock all windows and doors, turn on several lights and leave a television and/or radio playing to make it appear as though someone is home.

And don't forget to switch on outside lights and make sure all ladders and tools are stored away.

Police also advise the public to exercise caution even if they are in the safety of their own home.

Make sure to secure unoccupied parts of your house even when you are at home and do not keep valuables, money or cheque books near windows.

If you are going away for the holidays, Police recommend that you try to make your home appear as though you never left.

Light timers are useful tools for conveying the impression that someone is home. Operate lights in several rooms and use logical lighting patterns -- do not have the lights on at 4 a.m.

Ask a neighbour to pick up the mail or newspapers, tend the yard and watch your home while you are on vacation.

And never leave a message on your answering machine indicating that you are away from your home.

Homes are not the only premises vulnerable to thieves during the holiday season -- cars are an easy target.

Christmas presents should not be left unattended in vehicles. If shoppers have no choice but to do so, they should cover them with a coat or blanket or lock them in the trunk where they are out of sight.

And always park your car in a well-lit area, preferably within walking distance of the shops.

Once the presents are all unwrapped and the last decoration packed away, residents should still remember to exercise safety precautions.

For example, gardens can be used as simple security aids to discourage theft.

Gravel driveways and paths are a good deterrent because it's impossible to cross one quietly.

And security experts say bushes -- especially ones with thorns like rose bushes -- planted underneath windows are an effective safeguard.

To make your home more secure, install door locks and deadbolts on all outside doors and use them. In many burglaries thieves enter through unlocked doors and windows.

Experts also warn that sliding glass doors can be the easiest point of entry to a home.

To improve their security, place a strong metal or wooden bar along the track to prevent doors from being opened while you sleep.

And exterior lighting should be mounted well out of reach of burglars, near entrances and areas where thieves could hide.

Lights with motion-sensors, which turn on automatically when someone approaches, can also be an effective security tool.