Millions of UK households could be vulnerable to theft this Christmas season, according to Halifax Home Insurance.
A report by the insurer reveals that one in five Britons are planning to travel during the holidays, which could expose their empty homes to burglary.
And, although 34 per cent of homeowners report that they are worried about break-ins, 20 per cent of respondents say they are not planning to enhance their home security before going out of town.
Marty Foulds, senior claims manager at Halifax Home Insurance, commented: "At Christmas it's easy to get caught up in the excitement of the season and forget about home security.
"We are urging householders, especially those who plan to go away on holiday, to take measures to safeguard their home."
Another holiday warning was recently made by Tesco Pet Insurance, which advised pet owners to keep holiday sweets away from their furry companions.