Recent warm weather has seen the number of sneak-in burglaries increase to an average of one-a-day in one area of Bradford, according to police.
Brian Hodkinson, crime pattern analyst for Odsal and Dudley Hill police, said that since June there had been more than 70 sneak-in burglaries in the division.
Mr Hodkinson said this accounted for nearly one out of every five burglaries in the same period and was directly linked to the slight improvement in the weather conditions.
"These type of criminals tend to strike when people are out in their back gardens and have left their front doors unlocked or even open," he said.
"Or sometimes it's when a person had popped round to see their neighbours for a few minutes and has left the windows open.
"We know it's a chore to close your windows and doors for such a short space of time but it's the best course of action.
"It's normally wallets or handbags which are stolen but it can be very inconvenient. We would recommend that if people are going to sit out they should put the front door on the latch."
Since June there were 400 burglaries in the Odsal and Dudley Hill division.
If anyone sees or has information about a sneak-in thief contact Odsal police helpdesk on 01274 376659.
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