Security warning after burglars target unlocked homes

Police this week received reports of two burglaries and an attempted burglary in Waskerley Road, Horsley Road and Stockley Road in the Barmston area overnight between Tuesday and Wednesday.

Washington Neighbourhood Inspector Steve Pescod said: "People may think we keep repeating the same message but it is really important that people take note and are not complacent with home security.

"Locking front and back doors is the single most important thing people can do to help prevent their home from being burgled. The harder they make it for burglars the less likely they are going to be targeted.

"Astonishingly, we still hear of incidents where doors have been left unlocked overnight - it really does only take a few moments to check the door is locked and windows are closed before going to bed, but could be the difference between burgled, or not.

"We don't want to scaremonger people, the number of reports we receive is relatively low however being broken into is incredibly distressing for those involved and even one burglary is one too many. We know burglars are actively trying door handles and we are targeting those we believe to be responsible to ensure action is taken against them."