Householders in North York are being warned to light up their homes after a spate of teatime burglaries this winter.

Strensall Police, who cover an area including Rawcliffe, Clifton, Haxby and Wigginton, say the hours between 3pm and 8pm are the danger time.

They are targeting hot spots and known burglars during these hours, but say residents could reduce the risk of being burgled with a few simple steps.

Sgt Tim Madgwick said: "A common reason why there are so many burglaries at this time is because many houses are in complete darkness. It makes it very easy for someone who is a potential burglar, whether on foot, on a bike, or in a car, to go down the street and pick out empty houses.

"It is particularly bad when two or three houses are dark and they are less likely to be heard or seen by neighbours.

"Quite often working couples will not arrive home until around 6.30pm or mothers will go out to pick up their children and their houses are left in darkness."

During November last year there were 63 house burglaries in the North York area and 58 in December - compared with 14 in July and 24 in August.

More than 50 per cent of all crime in the area takes place between the hours of 3pm and 8pm.

Sgt Madgwick has been touring Neighbourhood Watch and community meetings preaching his message that houses should be lit up.

He said: "A timer switch costs around £10 and means a light can be set to come on around 4pm.

"If you are worried about people seeing in to downstairs rooms, connect it to a hall light or put in an upstairs room."

The most common way burglars got in was through a back door or window and Sgt Madgwick said people should not leave keys in their back doors or even in sight.

"If all it takes is breaking one pane of glass and grabbing the key, it makes it too easy for them."

He said burglar alarms were also a good investment and could be bought for around £200 but advised customers to get at least one quote.

Membership of a Neighbourhood Watch scheme also reduced the risk.

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