Research from insurer Aviva shows thieves have moved on to smaller but pricier loot compared to a decade ago when the most stolen Christmas items included a Playstation 2 console, video games and DVDs.

Many thieves tend to take Christmas Day off, with household theft claims 60% lower than average on this day. However, this increases by 8% on New Year’s Eve as burglars take advantage of empty houses, party noise and fireworks.

Car thieves also takes a festive break with the five safest days for motor theft from Christmas Day to 29 December.

There are other things that could threaten a happy Christmas, with fire claims up 120% on the day and a 50% increase New Year’s Eve.

Apart from making sure hobs are switched off, candles are placed away from decorations and sockets are not overloaded – homeowners are urged to be wary of drunken revellers as malicious claims increase by 66% over the festive period.

If you are concerned about a potential burglary, there are precautionary steps you can take to lower the risk of being targeted.

Leave presents out of sight until the big day, and make sure all gift packaging, like TV or iPad boxes, are thrown out as unidentifiable as possible. Leaving them in or near your outside bin could alert opportunistic burglars to the pricey gifts.

Leave lights and the TV or radio on if out to give the illusion of someone being home.

Adopting a neighbourhood watch approach and keeping an eye out for suspicious behaviour can mean preventing a miserable Christmas or New Year for you and your neighbours.