Residents in Avon and Somerset need to step up their home security measures to safeguard against burglars following a spate of incidents in October, police have warned.

Homeowners in the areas of Southville, Headley Park, Windmill Hill and Hartcliffe reported 79 burglaries last month and are now considered hotspots for the crime.

Sergeant Andrew Bradshaw of Avon and Somerset police said: "We all know that prevention is better than cure."

He has therefore urged people to take preventative measures in order to avoid the "stress and inconvenience" involved with making home insurance claims.

Neighbourhood Policing Teams have also increased their patrols of the targeted areas and said they will advise residents on the best security methods to employ.

Meanwhile, West Yorkshire police have reported successful results from their capture houses after they arrested two burglars last week who were captured on hidden cameras and sprayed with hi-tech indelible marking fluid.

Home insurance policy holders living in Surrey may welcome news police in the area have launched a crackdown on burglary.The force explained although break-ins were not a major problem in the area, it...

Householders who leave keys in places where they can be seen by passers by could be increasing the likelihood they will have to make a home insurance claim, it has been suggested.Police in Stonesfield...

Home insurance customers in Huddersfield are being offered help that could reduce their chances of having to make a claim.West Yorkshire police announced people visiting the Armitages Garden Centre in...