A CRIMINAL S Christmas menu which advises people on how to prevent crime during the festive period is being handed out to Sidmouth residents. The menu, written by East and Mid Devon Community Safety Partnership, has been distributed by police officers in

A CRIMINAL'S Christmas menu which advises people on how to prevent crime during the festive period is being handed out to Sidmouth residents.

The menu, written by East and Mid Devon Community Safety Partnership, has been distributed by police officers in the hope it will deter "opportunist" thieves who thrive on people's carelessness at this time of the year.

The four course menu includes starters, main course, desserts and coffee and lists easy targets for thieves.

For starters thieves like presents left in full view in the car, keys left in the ignition and sat navs and accessories left on view.

Doors and windows not secured, presents displayed under the Christmas tree and large amounts of cash left at home are main courses.

For thieves with a sweet tooth: bicycles not secured, cheque book and card left unattended and personal details left in recycling bins.

And for coffee, thieves will sell stolen goods to the unsuspecting.

Gerry Moore, Community Safety officer for the partnership, said: "We are hoping that people will take a little more care of their possessions particularly at this time of the year.

"In the past we have all heard stories of heartbroken children and parents who have had Christmas presents stolen when with a little more care this could have been prevented."

For further crime prevention advice, visit Sidmouth Police Station.