HOME security is paramount as police urge property owners not to have an 'open door policy'.

People are more inclined to leave doors and windows open in summer but this can be risky.

Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Steve Johnson said: “We don’t want to ruin anyone’s fun – the summer holidays should be about people getting out and enjoying themselves.

MORE TOP STORIES: “It is a fact that burglaries of insecure premises have increased over the years and we don’t want to see people coming back to their homes and finding their belongings have been stolen by someone walking through an open front door.

“Taking a few extra seconds to lock the front or back door, checking the windows are closed and the shed is locked can save significant heartache.

“Don’t leave security at the bottom of the list, and if you’ve got vulnerable or elderly neighbours, perhaps help them stay safe too.”

Leaflets and posters will be seen across the county with the message ‘lock it or lose it.’ To pass on information please call 101 or to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.