Burglars take window of opportunity

Last night police said a large proportion of the crimes happened where homes were left insecure and urged people to think carefully about securing their homes better.

In April, twenty eight per cent of the 21 burglaries, across Batley, Birstall and Birkenshaw were crimes where burglars were able to get into a home through an open window or unlocked door. In May the figure rose to 40 per cent of break-ins.

Sgt Sam Carter is now urging the public to take some simple measures to protect their homes from criminals.

“Regardless of the weather, if people leave windows and doors open and unlocked when they are not at home, they are offering criminals an easy target.

“I can’t stress enough how important it is for people to look after their property and lock their doors when they either out or in the garden and wouldn’t know that someone had got into their homes until it was too late.”

Visit the help and advice section of the West Yorkshire Police website: www.westyorkshire.police.uk for crime prevention tips.