THE public is being warned to keep valuables hidden from the prying eyes of potential robbers with posters which are going up around bus and train stations.

Waltham Forest is one of six boroughs chosen for the campaign due to high levels of muggings.

There were 1,589 reported robberies in the borough last year, an 11.2% increase on the previous year.

Police say the public are more at risk after Christmas due to the high-value goods, such as smart phones, media players and gold jewellery, received as presents.

MPS Commander Simon Pountain said: "Being robbed is a traumatic experience.

"However, the public can minimise the chance of it happening by taking some basic measures.

"When you are out, where possible try and keep any valuables hidden.

"Smart phones and media players are becoming must-have items for many people - that includes criminals too.

"They simply see these items as cash.

"We are not asking the public not to use their phones or media players in public - we are just advising them to be vigilant about where and when they use them.”

The anti-robbery posters will also be going up in Brent, Lambeth, Newham, Southwark and Lewisham.