POLICE are reminding home-owners to lock their doors and shut their windows to keep burglars at bay.

It follows about 15 burglaries across South Gloucestershire in the past two months where thieves have walked in through an unlocked door – sometimes when there are people at home.

Det Sgt Jason Hulbert, investigating the series of burglaries, said: “These are opportunist crimes carried out by people who try door handles and, when they find them unlocked, take the opportunity to steal what they can.

“We would encourage everyone to think about their home security and to make it more difficult for burglars to get lucky.

“Our statistics show that most break-ins are committed by opportunist thieves, and in a quarter of cases they didn’t even have to use force to gain entry.

“Our advice is to lock up, even if you’re popping next door or going into the garden or sitting in another room.

“Leave a light on or fit a light timer for when you’re out. Consider fitting a burglar alarm – an effective deterrent.

“Register your property and valuables at www.immobilise.com, a free national property database, and mark it with your name and postcode.

“This all deters thieves, because it means the rightful owner can be identified and property proved to be stolen.”