Bradford residents are being urged to lock out sneak-in thieves this summer.

Police say stealth burglars continue to strike at households throughout the district during the warmer weather.

Bradford South Detective Chief Inspector Mark McManus is urging homeowners to take simple precautions.

“A sneak-in burglary is where someone gets into a property through an insecure door or window,” he said.

“The circumstances for a sneak-in are a burglar’s dream. No force is required to gain entry to the property, no noise is made, and an offender can be in and out in a matter of seconds.

“The elderly and the vulnerable can also be seen as easy targets. Quite often the property taken includes very personal items that cannot be replaced, such as family heirlooms from relatives who have passed away.

“If you can, please check on family members to make sure they are not open to this type of crime.

“It is vital that every care is taken during the warmer weather to keep doors locked and in particular ground floor windows closed and locked, even if you are inside the property or even out in the back garden.

“We’d also urge people to mark property such as electrical items. If it is stolen, we can easily identify who it belongs to. This can also prevent thieves from selling it on.”

Historically across West Yorkshire, one in four burglaries are carried out by people entering properties through open doors and windows.

Det Chief Insp McManus said: “If we get the message to everyone, we could make a significant reduction in number of offences committed.

“Burglars do not care what they take or how they take it. You may think it will never happen to you, but please take the precautions.”