POLICE are making a plea for residents of Bradford to keep their homes secure following a spike in "sneak-in" burglaries.

More than a third of burglaries recorded in July were described as "sneak-in" offences, where a perpetrator gets into a home through open or unlocked doors and windows.

A total of 386 burglaries last month is lower than the figure for this time last year, but 144 of those offences involved a window or door being left open or unlocked.

This summer has seen a record-breaking heatwave hit our shores, meaning more and more people are leaving doors and windows open for cool relief.

Detective Chief Inspector Andrew Howard, of Bradford District Police, said:

“Police in Bradford continue to work hard to reduce the number of burglaries and the public can help us by keeping their properties secure at all times.

“Keep all doors and windows locked when you are inside and don’t forget to lock the door behind you when you enter or leave the property.

He added it's best practice to keep valuables - such as keys and cash - out of sight, as well as ensuring outbuildings containing expensive items are kept locked.

The "Project One in Four" campaign has also been launched this summer, where the focus is on providing support and advice for people who have been the victims of crime as a result of a door or window being left insecure.

Where victims are identified as vulnerable their details will be shared with partner agencies to see if they can offer additional help or support.  

For more information about crime prevention, please visit the Advice pages on the West Yorkshire Police website, or contact your local neighbourhood policing team.