IT is called the most wonderful time of the year, but the coming weeks are also among the most busy as people race to prepare for Christmas.

Families fill cars with festive bounty and cross counties and countries to come together, merry revellers sparkle in packed bars and restaurants and last-minute hopefuls make frantic tracks around town centre shops.

But as people memorise the turkey timings and wrack their brains for the mysterious location of the fairy lights, Northumbria Police are asking that they also remember some vital advice.

The weeks leading up to the big day sees the numbers hitting the shops increase rapidly.

Though good for high street tills, the crowds can also attract opportunistic thieves who target mobile phones, purses, bags and even just-purchased Christmas presents.

Extra officers will be on patrol in the busier shopping areas to reassure people and help to deter criminals.

But police are urging shoppers to stay vigilant and keep a watchful eye on their valuables.

Chief Insp. Helena Barron said: “If these thieves see a mobile phone left on a cafe table or in a back pocket, an open handbag or unattended purse then, while the owner is distracted, they will steal it. It only takes a few seconds and it can ruin someone’s Christmas, their peace of mind as well as being an extra cost to bear..

“Keep your purse and wallet secure in a zipped bag or pocket.

“Take similar care with your mobile; you wouldn’t leave large amounts of cash just lying on the table, so why leave an expensive mobile phone on public view?”

However, even when the shopping bags are safely deposited at home, thieves can still strike.

Supt David Felton said: “Preventing burglaries and stopping burglars from getting inside peoples’ homes are our priority over the winter months.

“People can help us by locking doors and windows, making sure sheds and garages and patio doors are secure and by using burglar alarms, security lights and CCTV cameras.

“Anyone who wants any extra crime prevention advice or help from police can call us on 101 and we can arrange a home visit.”

And as the season of the infamous ‘Christmas do’ arrives, police have issued advice to ensure that sherry-fuelled dance moves and an ill-advised tinsel crown are party-goers’ only regrets.

Extra officers will be on patrol on the busiest weekends to ensure revellers stay safe.

But there is advice to ensure a Christmas night out is memorable for all the right reasons.

Chief Insp. Steve Readdie said: “If you’re drinking on a night out then you need to make sure you plan in advance how to get home safely. It’s good advice for people to pre-book a taxi to make sure they know how they are getting home.

“Everyone also needs to look out for their friends and stick together.

“Don’t let people in your group wander off on their own, especially if they’re a bit worse for wear.

“But if you do get separated from your friends, arrange a safe meeting place everyone can find.

“We advise people to store an ICE (In Case of Emergency) number in their phone and keep some cash in an alternative place, in case you lose your purse or wallet and need some in an emergency.”

And amid all the merriment of the festive season, there are also warnings against tippling over the drink drive limit.

Road safety charity IAM Road Smart has launched its annual Christmas anti-drink drive campaign.

They maintain that there is no true safe limit and recommend that drivers should not drink alcohol at all before getting behind the wheel.

Northumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner Vera Baird is also calling on the Government to reduce the drink-drive limit and increase the minimum price of alcohol.

She said: “Since 2010, national statistics have remained the same, with 240 deaths and more than 8,000 casualties caused by drink driving each year.

“It is not only drunk drivers who are affected: 60per cent of those killed or injured in drink driving incidents are innocent people, such as passengers, pedestrians and cyclists.”