HELP the Aged has issued a warning to elderly people to be on their guard against burglaries this summer.

Eleanor Bradstreet, from Help the Aged, said: "Most people expect to take extra security precautions during the winter, when the nights draw in.

"However, there are particular situations during the summer months when a person's risk of being burgled increases.

"Key causes for this include leaving windows and doors open in the summer heat; forgetting to lock away tools and ladders after outdoor odd jobs or gardening, leaving handy equipment for opportunist thieves and simply going away on holiday.

"In most cases, these crimes can be easily prevented by employing simple security measures.

"Although less likely to be attacked or robbed than any other age group, the effect of a burglary can be particularly traumatic for older people.

"For this reason, Help the Aged urges older people to remain vigilant this summer."

To protect elderly people Help the Aged offers SeniorLink, an immediate telephone response service whereby, at the press of a button, an older person is immediately connected to a response centre.

For more information or an application pack, older people can call 01255 473999.