Christmas cards will be sent to Bradford residents and criminals in a campaign to reduce seasonal burglaries.

Two cards are being delivered to more than 100,000 households, by Bradford District Safer Communities Partnership, featuring a crooked Santa and festive burglar, encouraging residents to prevent unwelcome visitors this Christmas.

They will also be handed directly to Christmas shoppers across the district and adverts are being placed in newspapers.

And cards are being sent by police to prolific offenders, with a handwritten plea from a ten-year-old Burglary victim asking the offender to ‘Give a thought for others this Christmas’.

Offenders will also receive ‘festive visits’ from officers.

Chief Superintendent Alison Rose, chairman of Bradford District Safer Communities Partnership, said: “We want everyone to have a safe and happy Christmas.

“Burglary, especially over Christmas, has a huge emotional impact on victims.

“To those who might be thinking of committing crime our message is very clear – don’t do it.”

Councillor Kris Hopkins, leader of Bradford Council, said: “We are using creative ways to deliver these messages – however, the issue is very serious.

“Prevention is far better than cure, and we are working with the police and our partners to make it hard for criminals who target homes over Christmas.

“If you see anything suspicious, call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.”

Simple ways to reduce the risk of burglary are:

  • keep presents out of sight until late on Christmas Eve; trick burglars into thinking you are home by leaving lights and a radio on when you go out; make garden sheds and outbuildings secure, especially if you are hiding presents in them; be extra careful to lock windows and doors; don’t advertise your new gifts by leaving packaging out on the street; cancel newspapers and milk deliveries if you’re away and ask a trusted neighbour to watch your home; take bicycle and equipment serial numbers for future reference.