Police warning after burglary rate doubles in Wakefield

Police are urging homeowners to be vigilant after revealing many of the 31 burglaries happened after doors and windows were left unlocked.

Det Insp Andy Welbourn of Wakefield Police, said: “Understandably, people are opening windows and doors to help with ventilation during the warm weather and criminals are taking advantage.

“This is not about asking people to batten down the hatches when the sun shines but is just a gentle reminder to take sensible precautions when ventilating your house.

“You might just be in your back garden for ten minutes, but that’s more than enough time for a burglar to sneak in through an unlocked side door.”

DI Welbourne added: “Offenders will also take advantage of domestic, or garden tools laying around to help break in to a property, so locking these away can also deter an offender from targeting your home.”

The force’s crime prevention officer Chris Joyce, said; “Locking doors and windows that are easily accessible may seem simple, but it really does deter opportunistic offenders from targeting your home and is one of a number of simple steps you can take. Go to www.westyorkshire.police.uk/burglary