HOMEOWNERS should think like a burglar in order to protect their home, police have said.

Longer nights can make easier pickings for unscrupulous thieves acting under the cover of darkness.

Det Supt Sarah Robbins of Wiltshire Police said: “I urge everyone to look at their homes from a burglar’s eye view and do everything you can to reduce your risk of becoming a victim.

“We know that most burglars are opportunists so there are simple steps that can be taken to make your home or vehicle less appealing.

“Be aware of your home security and build it in as part of your everyday routine. Locking a ladder away or taking a simple step like leaving a light on to make it look like someone is home could make all difference.”

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald:

Supt Sarah Robbins

Police advised people to make sure to lock doors and windows whenever you leave the house, even if it is just to go into the garden.

Plants and hedges should be trimmed back to ensure there are no hiding places.

Use a timer to set lights to mimic your usual activity when you are not at home.

Do not open the door to anyone you don't know or are not expecting. Always check by using a spy-hole or look through a window. Don't trust an ID card.

I've been burgled - what do I do?

If you have been burgled, Wiltshire Police's Crime Scene Investigation team suggests taking these steps:

  1. Phone the police immediately on 101 or in an emergency call 999
  2. Where possible minimise what you touch, especially near the point of entry or items that you believe may have been touched by the offenders
  3. If you suspect the offender is still inside the property - do not enter, advise the police of this when you ring. Confronting the offender can place you in immediate danger
  4. If it is practical wait at a neighbour’s house until the police arrive. If you do need to enter the property; try to locate to one area and try to minimise movement around the house
  5. Fingerprints, DNA and footwear marks may not be visible so try to avoid walking on smooth, shiny flooring and touching anything that the offender may have touched or handled
  6. If you find something that you suspect may have been used in the burglary as it was not there previously, point this out to the police
  7. Preserving evidence is vital. If the item is outside cover the item with a box or something similar to shield it from the elements until the police arrive. Do not touch the item. If you see blood, try to cover this without touching it
  8. Remember not all items have forensic value. The police are professionally trained to know what items can be used to obtain forensic evidence, do not be upset if a particular item that you think may contain forensic value, is dismissed by police. The most common types of forensic evidence found at crime scenes are fingerprints, DNA and footwear marks.