Burglars remain at their most active during the holiday season, with insurers receiving twice as many claims compared to the rest of the year, broadcaster NOS reported on Friday.

There is a downward trend, however, with the number of burglaries or attempted burglaries around Christmas falling to 60,700 last year, 6% down on 2016.

‘This still translates to seven insurance claims an hour and seven traumatised victims,’ a spokesperson for the insurers association told the broadcaster.

Most burglaries occurred in Limburg (101 per 10,000) and Flevoland (109 per 10,000). Friesland saw the fewest burglaries with 45 per 10,000 households.

Friday and Saturday nights, when people are most often away, are the most popular for breaking and entering.

Insurers and police recommend making sure locks are in order and to asking neigbours to keep an eye on your home in your absence.