A CHILD'S electric scooter waiting to be wrapped up for Christmas has been stolen from a garage in Rusilip.

And now police are issuing a warning to people to secure their homes, garages and sheds to stop burglars from shopping early for the festive season.

The warning comes from the Metropolitan Police and Hillingdon Council in a new poster campaign, launched this week.

The campaign is part of both the London wide Safer Homes initiative by the police and Hillingdon's joint community safety programme.

David Brough, the council's head of Democratic Services, said: "Residents need to secure their premises throughout the year but especially in the dark evenings around Christmas when burglars are looking for easy pickings, including families' presents."

Police records show the number of burglaries from homes, sheds, greenhouses and garages in the borough increases in the run up to Christmas.

In September/October last year there were 408 burglaries, while in November/December the totals jumped to 562.

Chief Superintendent Andy Bamber, Police Commander for Hillingdon, said: "As well as stealing items from unlocked garages and garden sheds burglars use the tools they find there to break into homes.

"People should check the whole of their property is secure, not just the house."

Free crime prevention advice is available from the police on 020 8246 1778.