Three tell-tale red flags that tell burglars you are not at home

You could be telling burglars that you are not when you go away this Christmas. From lights to mail, there are small tell-tale signs that signal you're away.

Avoid leaving lights constantly on or constantly off. This signals to burglars that the house is empty, warns Matthew Lake, a home security expert from Guardian Safe And Vault.

So what should you do instead? Use smart home devices or timers to create varied lighting schedules, giving the impression the property is occupied.

A large accumulation of leaflets, newspapers, or packages outside your door is a clear sign of absence. Prevent this by either asking the Post Office to hold your mail or arranging for a trusted neighbour to collect these items.

An overgrown garden or a driveway covered in unshovelled snow can indicate an empty