Home owners warned to be on their guard

POLICE are urging householders to exercise caution when leaving doors and windows open during warm weather.

House burglaries in South Yorkshire are at their lowest level in 29 years, with 208 fewer house burglaries comparing July 2010 to June 2011 with the previous 12-month period.

But officers want to maintain their improved figures and are urging people to keep windows and doors locked when possible.

A police spokesman said: “Longer daylight hours and warmer weather means people are spending more time outside and it only takes seconds for someone to sneak in through an unlocked door or to reach through an open window.

“Sneak-in burglaries can be easily prevented by keeping your windows and doors locked when you are out in the garden.

“Keep your valuables out of view from prying eyes by putting them away in cupboards.”

For more tips on how to protect property and valuables visit www.southyorkshire.police.uk/adviceonsafety/homesecurity.