Police suggest precautions to foil summer burglars

A force spokesman said: "House burglaries in South Yorkshire are at their lowest levels for 27 years and we want to reduce them even further.

"However, 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."

Police also advise people never to leave keys near windows or doors, or in hiding places such as under a doormat.

The spokesman added: "Many people underestimate the value of the items they store in their shed, garage or garden. Unfortunately, criminals are fully aware of the value of the goods that people do store in vulnerable places.

"Using prickly plants to create a physical and psychological barrier is something that has been done for many years and is known as defensive planting.

"Criminals do not like climbing through prickly plants and hedges. They know that a small item of ripped clothing or blood can help the police identify them."

Household alarms could be extended to cover a garage, police said, as garages with internal doors give access to homes.

Detective Chief Inspector Craig Robinson said: "By taking some of these simple steps this will help to reduce the chances of you being a victim of burglary.

"Remember, if you are going away on holiday don't leave your curtains closed during the daytime, ask a neighbour to look after your home and use timer switches to turn on some lights when it gets dark. Also, don't forget to cancel any milk or newspaper deliveries."