Police are warning people not to unwittingly invite burglars into homes this Christmas.
All too often the "hot property" takes pride of place in the home and the boxes are discarded outside for recycling.
Police say it's tantamount to putting a sign on your door saying: "look what I got for Christmas, come and burgle me".
Prevention manager Inspector Scott Fraser said: "It's easy with all the excitement and distraction of Christmas to take your eye off the ball and not consider the simple things that will help keep you and your home safe.
"Keeping wrapped gifts hidden from view before Christmas taking the boxes to the recycling depot after Christmas could be all it takes to prevent you from having an intruder in your home."