Christmas Eve and Christmas Day regularly have the lowest crime rates of the year. However, Brits should still be on their guard as statistics suggest that New Year’s Eve is the worst day for burglary.

According to a new study by Aviva, even criminals have Christmas holidays. However, once the New Year comes around it is back to stealing and thieving.

Unlike the Christmas Grinch, who steals gifts on the night before Christmas, the UK’s seasonal stealers come out for New Year’s Eve. This is the worst day for burglary during the festive period, according to ten years worth of data on the subject.

In the run up to Christmas, particularly on Christmas Eve & Christmas Day, UK homes hold an average of £1,700 worth of presents under the tree.

Tech and gadget based items are the most popular with Christmas criminals. The top three items stolen last year included laptops, the Nintendo DSi and Apple Touch & Classic iPods. The PlayStation 3, Sony PSP and Apple MacBooks were also high on the wish list of thieves last year.

Experts believe that this year the Apple iPhone 4S and Apple iPad 2 will be the most stolen items.

Jonathan Cracknell, Household Underwriter at Aviva, said; “The Christmas season is a great time to be with family and friends and actually your home is statistically pretty safe on the big day, but just one week later all those new gadgets and gifts offer rich pickings for burglars who can take advantage of homeowners celebrating New Year elsewhere.”

With so many goodies for thieves to steal at this time of year, it could be worth looking at your home insurance policy to review your level of cover.

Not only are you at risk from criminals this festive season, but according to the study, household fires are much more common as well. December 25th is the worst day of the year for fires in the home, with claims soaring by 140%. Christmas tree lights, tinsel, wrapping paper and candles can all add fuel to the festive flames.