BURGLARS beware – petty criminals could get collared if they dare break into homes this Christmas.

This is the warning police gave to thieves as officers acted out the roles of both crimefighters and robbers to remind people to simply “think like a burglar” and protect their possessions during the festive period.

The humourous crime-busting drive kicked off in Hedgemans Road, Dagenham, as Met Police statistics revealed robberies had surged in the capital from about 32,900 to 34,200 and marginally in the borough from 850 to 858 in the last year to October.

Burglaries fell by eight per cent from around 96,700 to 89,300 overall, with a five per cent drop recorded in Barking and Dagenham from about 2,433 to 2,298.

But remember, don’t leave your presents in full view of potential burglars and secure your windows and doors, unless you want them to turn into “swag” before they are even opened by your children.