'Don't advertise to thieves'

Leaving the discarded boxes from expensive goods outside your house could attract would-be burglars, according to one insurance provider.

Liverpool Victoria has warned against consumers leaving clues as to the contents of their home, especially when infrequent rubbish collections can leave packaging outside for weeks.

Also, up to 5.3 million Brits ditch unwanted items outside their house when they buy replacements, but should be taking them to the tip, like an estimated 38 per cent of the population do.

A Liverpool Victoria spokesperson advised: "I think people need to look at how they are disposing and recycling, particularly with electrical goods," a Liverpool Victoria spokesperson advised.

"We are just warning people to be aware, especially at Christmas and during the New Year sales, when people tend to make these kinds of purchases."

Research from Liverpool Victoria suggests that 16.35 million people are guilty of leaving old items or containers outside their house, which could bring the unwanted attention of burglars.