PEOPLE heading off for a New Year break are being warned to keep their possessions locked up.

Insp Simon Dicks of Swindon police said community spirit could help keep people's houses safe from burglaries. He said: "We would like to remind people to carry out simple tasks such as cancelling the milk and newspapers so there are no obvious signs on the doorstep that a house is empty.

"If possible residents should let their neighbours know they are going away and make arrangements for someone they trust to draw their curtains and turn lights on in the empty house."

Swindon police can be contacted on 01793 528111 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.