Thieves take advantage of warmer weather to rob homes in Horsham and Billingshurst

Sussex Police have warned residents that the warm weather can make your home a hot target for burglars.

As temperatures rise and the sun begins to shine, people begin leaving the windows open both at night and during the day to keep their properties cooler.

But that means homes become an easier target for burglars - unless residents take steps to protect them.

Since the beginning of the month there have been a number of burglaries where thieves have been helped by properties not being secure.

Houses with at least basic security - defined as window locks and deadbolts on doors - are at nearly a tenth of the risk of being burgled than those without.

Across the county there were more than 20 homes reported as having been burgled between 7pm on Friday (11 April) and 7am on Monday (14 April).

Thieves struck at properties in Horsham, Billingshurst, Crawley, Newhaven, Eastbourne, Brighton, Hastings, St Leonards, Bognor Regis, Forest Row, Worthing, Chichester and Wick.

Following these basic crime prevention tips will reduce the chance of you becoming a victim:

- If you leave your house empty - even when you are in the back garden - lock all the doors and windows and make sure fanlight windows are closed. Be especially careful about those on the ground floor and above flat roof areas.

- Put your garden tools and any ladders away into a secure garage or shed after using them. They could be used to break into your home or that of your neighbours.

- Double check fences and boundaries to make sure they keep burglars out.

- When you leave a room unattended, close and lock windows and doors - especially on the ground floor.

- If you want to leave windows open while you sleep, fit window restrictors so they cannot be fully opened, or make sure they are not large enough to allow access to a burglar.

- Keep all wallets, purses, credit cards, car keys and other valuables out of sight.

- Consider fitting outside security lighting or a visible alarm to help deter burglars.

If you would like a visit from a crime prevention officer, contact your local PCSO by visiting www.sussex.police.uk.

If you have any information about burglaries, please call 101 or email [email protected]. If you see or hear a burglary taking place call 999 immediately.