POLICE today urged homeowners to think about crime as the temperatures rise and homes become muggy on humid nights.

PC Tony Walsh, of the Ribble Valley Rural Team, advised residents not to open their windows to create airflows through houses - as it 'invites' burglars to break in easily.

He said: "With the weather becoming warmer it's tempting to leave your windows and doors open to allow fresh cool air to blow through your property.

"Opportunist thieves and burglars will be out and about, looking for easy pickings.

"It takes just a few seconds for someone to sneak into your property and take some of your smaller items of property usually left on tables and work tops.

"Things like purses, wallets, mobile phones, laptops, tablets, house and car keys and then your car.

"If you are going to open windows, please make sure you have window locks fitted and use them.

"Make sure when you go out, you close and lock all the windows or leave them locked in the vent position including conservatory windows and doors.

"Lock all your garden tools away if you've been working in the garden. Lock the garage door and any internal doors leading from the garage to your house."