Crime figures over the past decade do not support the theory about a spike in burglaries during the Christmas holidays however.

An examination of the figures show burglaries appear to spike more mid-year than the end of the year.

There is no pattern which comes from examining December house break-ins over the period.

January crimes follow the basic pattern of December.

A crime prevention expo in Katherine on Saturday was not overrun with people, perhaps from the heatwave as much as complacency.

Police reminded residents a few weeks back after a rash of house break-ins across the town that most of the homes chosen by the opportunistic thieves were unlocked.

One burglar alone can cause a crime spike because of the relatively low numbers in Katherine.

Locking your house is the best first defence, police say.

Some people leave work boots out the front of the house, leave some washing on the line and make sure there mail is collected by neighbours.

Perhaps readers have some handy tips on how to secure your property over the holidays?

Handy hints from Neighborhood Watch.

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