Even for Britain's criminal fraternity, Christmas is a time for rest and recuperation.

Burglars take time off on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, according to new research from Halifax General Insurance.

It seems like the rest of us burglars want a couple of days off, too Howard Posner, managing director of Halifax General Insurance

On the big day, accidental damage is a much bigger threat to property than the attentions of the light-fingered.

But in the week leading up to Christmas burglars go on a crime spree.

Crime spike

According to Halifax, burglary claims on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day were one-third of the number made on the same dates in the previous five months.

But more than one-third of all burglaries in December are packed into the week before Christmas.

"It seems, like the rest of us, burglars want a couple of days off, too," says Howard Posner, managing director of Halifax General Insurance.

But accidental damage to fixtures and fittings within the home increases as parties and social gatherings are held.

In addition, fire and smoke damage are common Yuletide claims, with accidents caused by faulty fairy lights, untended candles and people falling asleep with burning cigarettes.