Police are warning people to protect their home from burglars over the summer.

Windows and doors left open in the warmer weather and unlocked garden gates make ease access points for burglars.

Burglaries tend to increase over the summer as people go on holiday, but this type of crime has gone down in the first part of August compared to the end of July.

Police advise that burglars target homes when they know the owner is away, and urge people not to use caution when posting about their holidays on social media.

Residents are urged to check privacy settings on social media, and warned that using location tags alert people that their property may be empty.

Asking neighbours to move bins in if a home is empty, cancelling subscriptions and having a car parked in the driveway and storing valuables out of sight are all things that act as a deterrent to criminals.

Police and Crime Commissioner, David Lloyd, said: “Preparing for a holiday can be hectic and it’s often easy to forget every day home security steps, like locking doors and windows. “Taking these precautions before you set off, can go a long way to preventing a burglary, and if you look out for your neighbours whilst they are away, they will return the favour, which will help to make the whole neighbourhood a stronger, safer and friendlier place to live.”

Inspector Paul Lawrence, from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Crime Reduction Unit, warned: “During the summer holidays, burglars will be on the lookout for empty homes and will notice signs like piles of newspapers and unopened letters, bins not put away, or no lights on in the evenings. So making it appear that your home is occupied can be the most effective deterrent against burglary.

“We know that criminals scour social media for information that can help them commit crime and burglars are no different. Everyone loves sharing their holiday updates with friends and family online, but makes sure you know who is looking at your posts, ensure only people you know can see your posts.”

For information about joining a Neighbourhood Watch visit www.hertswatch.com.

For more information visit www.herts.police.uk/crimeprevention.