The burglary hotspots for Christmas criminals have been revealed in new figures from the Metropolitan Police.

In data supplied by the Met, News Shopper reported last month that burglaries were up in November - with Falconwood and Welling and St Mary's wards topping the hotspots for criminal activity.

The latest data shows the areas worst hit in December by Christmas burglars taking advantage of the festive period.

The Met said it was increasing patrols during their winter crackdown as the festive period traditionally sees an increase in burglary.

Homes remaining in darkness for longer in the evenings highlight the fact they may be empty, making them more attractive to burglars.

There were 159 reported burglaries in Bexley during December, up on November's 156 and October's 127.

Here are the worst hit areas in December for reported residential burglaries in Bexley:

East Wickham: 20

Danson Park: 16

Cray Meadows: 12

St Michael's: 11

Falconwood and Welling: 11

Lesnes Abbey: 9

Barnehurst: 8

Christchurch: 8

Belvedere: 7

Erith: 7

Northumberland Heath: 7

Brampton: 6

St Mary's: 6

Blackfen and Lamorbey: 5

Crayford: 5

North End: 5

Belndon and Penhill: 4

Colyers: 4

Sidcup: 3

Thamesmead East: 3

Longlands: 2

East Wickham had the most reported burglaries with 20, compared to Falconwood and Welling the month before which had 16.