This time of year often sees many going away for a summer break. Warwickshire Police would like to offer the following advice to keep your home safe during this time.

• Make your home look like someone’s in. Don’t close your curtains as this shows the house is empty.
• Ask someone you trust to draw curtains at night and to remove post from behind your front door.
• Cancel any milk or newspaper deliveries.
• Use automatic timer-switches to turn lights on when it goes dark.
• Check that all doors and windows are locked.
• Don't leave spare keys outside, or in a garage or shed, and put car keys or garage keys out of sight in the house.
• Use timers for radios if you need to be away from home overnight. They will create the impression that someone is in.
• Activate burglar alarms.
• Join your local Neighbourhood Watch scheme.
• Install external lights. They will deter the criminal who wishes to work undetected.
• Be a good neighbour.

If you see anyone acting suspiciously around a property you know to be empty, call the police.