A popular home insurance provider has urged homeowners to purchase cover this Christmas, as thefts are set to soar during the recession.

The advice comes after a survey revealed that a third of all homeowners leave gifts under the Christmas tree well in advance to the big day.

All I want for Christmas...is not to be burgled

The study also showed that domestic burglaries increase during the darkest and coldest months of the year – November, December and January.

The increased value of property stored in homes in the weeks before holiday celebrations begin means that householders should be particularly vigilant to the threat of a break-in.

The group said that findings from their research shows that security is the last thing on the minds of 39% of householders who say they leave presents under the Christmas tree well before December 25th. Only 7% of householders are security-minded and wait until Christmas morning to put presents under the tree.

Furthermore, only 20% of people say they are ‘very confident' about what is covered by their home contents insurance, meaning many people may be unaware they are exceeding the limits of their normal home contents insurance cover.

While 75% of UK households have home contents insurance, only 7.5% of policies across the market offer unlimited cover for the contents of your home. Home insurance gives unlimited cover so policyholders can relax knowing that they will never be underinsured, no matter what the value of the presents stored at home.

David Wells, Head of Insurance at the company, stated: “At Christmas it's easy to get caught up in the excitement of the season and forget about home security. However, we all know there are criminals who see this time of the year as providing them with rich pickings.

“Householders can take practical measures to deter burglars and protect their homes by keeping expensive Christmas presents out of view, closing curtains during the long dark December evenings and fitting timers to lights and radios which will create doubt in the burglar's mind.”

David added: “Christmas should be a fun time of the year. By making sure you have adequate home insurance you can enjoy festivities in the knowledge that the contents of your home are protected should the worst happen.”

Kensington and Chelsea Borough Commander Mark Heath, also urged residents in the area to take precautions to protect their property.

“Don't leave presents on show and try to give the impression that homes are occupied. Whilst burglary levels remain relatively low in the Royal Borough compared to other London boroughs, we want to send a clear message to criminals that it will not be tolerated.

“If you are engaging in burglary or handling stolen property in the Royal Borough, you will be targeted by the police,” he commented.