DORSET Police are urging residents to keep their homes secure this Christmas to prevent theft.

The force advise keeping presents out of view and locking the doors even when just popping to see neighbours.

For more advice on keeping your home safe and secure, visit the website https://bit. ly/2E2zZf5

Residents are also being advised to report non-urgent crime online, as Christmas is always a busy time for emergency services.

Visit www.dorset.police.uk/do-it-online to report a crime, but if a life is in danger or a crime is in progress, call 999.

Police are renewing their warning to residents about a cold caller HMRC scam.

The caller threatens the victim with a warrant for arrest of non-payment of tax.

Officers are advising people to not respond to the call and people should hang up on them before giving any personal information and not return the call if a message is left.