Make sure your home is ‘holiday proof’, say Police

A Generic Photo of a statement front door. See PA Feature HOMES Homes Column. Picture credit should read: PA Photo/thinkstockphotos. WARNING: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature HOMES Homes Column.

They say burglars and sneak thieves are prised to notice hints that a property is empty.

Obvious telltale signs are milk deliveries remaining on the doorstep, junk mail or newspapers stuffed halfway through the letterbox in the evening.

Don’t broadcast on social networking that you’re going on holiday – criminals can search for this kind of information to identify empty houses.

Don’t leave house keys on the inside of door locks, under mats or anywhere else an intruder may easily find them.Don’t hang carkeys on a hook near the door or in open sight..

Consider having your door reinforced with a security door bar.

Use timers on lights and if you have an alarm then make sure it is set.

Before heading off — or even if you’re not going on vacation — record details of valuables, such as mobile phone, cameras, laptops and tablets on the national mobile property register at www.immobilise.com.

Police urge neighbours to call 101 if they see signs of a break-in or anyone acting suspicious.

On returning, if anyone spots a smashed window or an open door, then do not enter as the intruder may still be inside.

Instead, go to a neighbour and call 999, if you believe the intruder is still inside.