Northants Police report more home burglaries in darker months in recent years

Northamptonshire Police say that now the clocks have gone back, it's important to be security conscious at home.

The force tell us they've noticed a marked increase in domestic thefts to coincide with the darker evenings during recent years. They say the basic advice is to make sure valuables are out of sight, and doors and windows are left locked.

PC Shannon Mellish is from the Burglaries Team for West Northamptonshire, with the county's officers:

"In previous years we noticed more burglaries from properties during the cooler months. We believe that this can come from earlier times of darkness, and also there being more valuable items kept indoors at home around the Christmas period.

"We'd advise not leaving such items on show including house and car keys. Also it's important not to leave garden tools on display, as thieves have been known to use these to help them gain entry.

"Considering using window alarms and sensors is also worthy of note, along with keeping windows and doors locked.

"That is alongside using CCTV and doorbell cameras too."

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