Opportunistic criminals are happy to take advantage of security lapses even when people are at home, West Mercia Constabulary have warned.

People are generally aware of the importance of locking doors and windows when they are going out, but Detective Sergeant Chris Hughes said many are less careful once they are in.

He explained that although most homeowners remember to lock external doors before going to bed, too many are less security conscious at other times and inadvertently present opportunities to criminals.

"While you are in another part of the house, a thief can sneak inside unseen and unheard and make off with any valuables left lying around," DS Hughes warned.

He added that as well as remembering to lock doors, homeowners could also reduce their risk of falling victim to a burglary and having to make a claim on their home insurance by installing timed lights.

The advice echoes that given recently by police in Burnley after a spate of break-ins committed between 18:00 and 22:00 while people were at home.

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