Bedfordshire Police’s specialist residential burglary team – Operation Maze – is urging residents to take precautions to deter thieves as the clocks go back 

It is also posting a video on social media channels offering crime prevention advice.

Burglaries in the county go up by more than 20 per cent in Autumn as burglars take advantage of longer nights.

The advice starts with locking doors, and if possible double-locking them. Thieves will be able to “pop” single-locked doors with relative ease.

Close and secure windows.

Keep keys and other valuables out of sight and away from letter-boxes.

If you are going out after dark, close curtains and leave a light on, possibly the TV too. If you are out all day set a timer device to turn lights on automatically.

Mark your valuables with security ink such as Smartwater. It will deter burglars in the first place and if property is stolen, it makes it easier to return it if it’s recovered.

Lock up side gates and outbuildings.

If you have one, set your burglar alarm.

View more crime prevention advice