Police are warning residents not to leave their homes vulnerable to opportunist thieves and become a victim of summer crime.

Cumbria Constabulary say they do not want to ruin anyone’s fun, but that people should take precautions to stop opportunist thieves from walking in through an open front door.

A police spokesman said: “Tackling burglary is a force priority.

“Statistics show that more than 60 per cent of burglaries are via insecure properties with burglars getting access to homes via open windows and unlocked doors.

“To prevent your home being an easy target for thieves, please take some time now to assess the security of your home.”

The force has issued the following advice to help you keep your home and possessions safe:

*Lock doors and windows before you go out

*Remove keys from locks and keep out of reach of windows and doors

*Ensure side gates and sheds are locked

*Keep gifts, cash and valuables safe and well hidden, so they can’t be seen or reached by thieves

*Consider fitting a burglar alarm and low energy dusk to dawn lighting

*Ensure your house is secure, preventing someone entering when you are busy elsewhere in the house or garden

*Postcode your valuables with a UV pen, consider registering them on www.immobilise.com

*Leave a light on in a room and draw curtains when you go out at night

*Look out for your neighbour’s property

*Consider joining a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme

*Cancel newspapers, milk etc when you go on holiday

*Make sure callers to your home are genuine, always ask for ID

The police spokesman added: “Taking a few extra seconds to lock the front or back door, checking the windows are closed and the shed is locked can save significant heartache.

“Don’t leave security at the bottom of the list, and if you’ve got vulnerable or elderly neighbours, perhaps help them stay safe too.”

To pass on information please call 101 or, to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.