People are being warned to take precautions to try and prevent their homes being burgled, especially in the run-up to Christmas, when homes are more often left empty.

The CSO confirmed that over 5,600 house thefts took place in the last three months of 2012.

Research commissioned by Aviva Home Insurance found that the average value of thefts from houses is over €727.

Through the research, Aviva Home Insurance found that the majority of Irish people (89%) think iPhones are the most commonly stolen item during the Christmas holidays, followed by money (87%), iPads (83%), computers/laptops (81%) and jewellery (80%).

The research also shows that the average value of contents in people’s fridges at Christmas is €295.40 making them another attractive target for some burglars.

Aviva is advising homeowners to make sure their home insurance policy covers Christmas gifts.