HUNDREDS of homes in Banbury are being targeted by Thames Valley Police in a bid to prevent a seasonal surge in burglaries.

As nights draw in there are concerns that opportunist burglars will strike under cover of darkness during the evening.

Police officers, PCSOs and crime prevention staff are going door-to-door to warn residents not to leave doors or windows insecure.

They will be out and about in Banbury on Tuesday and Wednesday next week.

Crime reduction advisor Jayne Taylor said: "The majority of burglars do not set out with a particular property in mind. Instead they tour residential roads in the hunt for unlocked doors or open windows.

"Even if there is somebody at home they may still try front, side or back doors to see if any are insecure. Once in they will snatch anything to hand - a purse, mobile phone, jewellery or keys maybe - and be out again within seconds.

"A proportion of these crimes take place in the late afternoon and early evening now the clocks have gone back. We believe the best way to get the security message across to local people is face-to-face.

"Burglaries to homes in Banbury were down 23 per cent last year and with the co-operation of local people we can ensure the figures keep falling."

Security tips for this time of year include:

  • Fit five-lever deadlocks on all external doors and fit locks to the top and bottom of patio doors.
  • Fit door chains or door bars to be used when strangers call.
  • Install locks on all windows that are easy to reach from outside.
  • Keep house and car keys well away from external doors and windows.
  • Consider motion-activated external lighting -- this can be a deterrent for criminals and will also enhance the personal safety of occupants.
  • Trim trees, shrubs and hedges that might hide an intruder from neighbours or passers-by.
  • When away from home set lamps on timer switches to come on at dusk.