The police are issuing posters and leaflets across Northern Ireland

The PSNI is launching a Christmas crime prevention campaign on Thursday, aimed at reducing so-called "creeper burglaries".

Sergeant Norman Gibson said there was a move away from kerbside vehicle thefts towards car key burglaries.

"This is partly because newer cars are more difficult to steal without the keys," he said.

"No system is infallible, but if you keep your car keys safe, you will lessen the chances of you and your family becoming victims of this type of crime."

The police are issuing posters and leaflets across Northern Ireland offering simple advice to householders and car owners.

Vehicle thefts were down 18.3% between 1 April and 30 September this year (2,178 incidents) compared with the same period in 2003 (2,666 thefts).

Police said no statistics were available for creeper burglaries, but that anecdotal evidence from their officers was "a strong indication that they are increasing".

Domestic burglaries also decreased by 10.7%, with 3,835 between 1 April and 30 September this year compared with 4,295 in the same period last year.