Watch out for burglars as dark nights close in - cops

Police are warning people to be extra vigilant as the winter's dark evenings present more opportunities for burglars.
Home and vehicle owners are being urged to take note of simple crime prevention methods to reduce the chances of becoming a victim.
Northamptonshire Police crime prevention officer Roger Williamson said: "Many of the burglaries or vehicle break-ins committed are opportunist crimes, where the offender has taken advantage of the darker night cover, identified a house in darkness with no sign of someone being at home, and used this as an invitation to burgle.
"Similarly, the obvious items left on car seats provide an ideal opportunity for a quick smash and grab.
"People can take very simple advice like using an alarm, locking doors, leaving lights on or using a timer to remove the opportunities for offenders."
Police issued the following crime prevention advice:

Burglary:
1. Keep front and back doors locked at all times - even when you are at home or in the garden. Around 25 per cent of all burglaries are through unlocked doors or windows.
2. Make sure you lock all doors when you go out, even if it is only for a few minutes.
3. Keep keys out of sight, and reach, of cat flaps, letterboxes and downstairs doors and windows.
4. Keep your house and car keys in a safe place.
5. If you are out in the evening make sure you leave a light on and draw the curtains.
6. Set your house alarm before you go out. If you do not have an alarm consider investing in one.
7. Use timer switches so lights or radios come at certain times if you know you are not going to be home before it gets dark.

Vehicle crime:
1. Always keep your car locked, even if you are only leaving it for a few moments.
2. Always remove all items from your vehicle when parked. Even an old coat can encourage a smash and grab thief.
3. Ensure when removing your sat nav that the cradle and suction pad are also removed.
4. Store your car in your garage, and keep both your car and garage locked and secure.
5. If you do not have a garage, park on your driveway or in well lit, overlooked areas.
6. If you park on the street, tug in your wing mirrors and put the aerial down to avoid criminal damage.
7. Never leave keys in the ignition, not even at a garage when paying for petrol.