Keep new Christmas presents under wraps (From Dudley News)

Keep new Christmas presents under wraps

2:20pm Monday 7th January 2013 in News

BOROUGH school children are being reminded to keep their new Christmas presents safe as they return to school.

Youngsters who want to show off their new smartphones, MP3 players or games consoles can often be easy targets for opportunist thieves.

Superintendent Mark Payne, from West Midlands Police, said: "Our message to children heading back to school with new gadgets after the Christmas break is 'keep it safe, keep it hidden'. "If you don't want to risk losing your new presents our advice is leave them at home where they are safe.

"Gadgets are easily misplaced and thieves will be on the lookout for anyone showing off their gifts to friends particularly on the journey to school.”

People are advised to register any new gadgets on the free national property database Immobilise, which can make it easier to return lost or stolen items if they are recovered by the police.

Downloading tracker apps on smartphones and tablets can also help trace the device if it goes missing.