This week signals the start of darker nights, with dusk falling an hour earlier.

It can also give the green light to burglars, some of whom attempt to take advantage of the longer hours of darkness.

Bradford Police see a seasonal rise in such offences over the winter months, and urge the public to be vigilant.

“When the clocks go back days are shorter and nights longer, which can provide offenders with more opportunities to commit crime,” says Anthony Osmotherley, sergeant in Bradford district crime reduction department with West Yorkshire Police, whose annual crime prevention advice can help prevent people becoming victims.

Traditionally called the ‘darker nights’ campaign, it concentrates on raising awareness and alerting the people as to how they can help to keep their homes safe and secure.

This includes using timer switches in well-used rooms. Often, households make the mistake of illuminating halls and areas that do not reflect human activity.

“Generally, burglars will not target premises which are occupied and we encourage members of the public to leave lights on in the house,” says Sgt Osmotherley. “We advise them to choose well-used rooms such as the living room, kitchen and bedrooms – not hallways. People need to give the impression that the property is occupied and that people are moving from room to room. Timer switches are fairly inexpensive to buy and are a worthwhile deterrent.”

Outside lighting is as important, he says, and special dawn-to-dusk lights using sensors are recommended. “These are fairly inexpensive and come on as the light fades to illuminate darker sections outside the home,” he adds. “What people should remember is that most offenders committing these sorts of crimes are cowards and will think twice when these deterrents such as this are in place.”

Common all year round, sneak-in burglaries can be easily prevented by ensuring that keys are not left in doors. “This is vital, whether the keys are left outside or inside the house,” says Sgt Osmotherley. “Most criminals are opportunists and will be on the lookout for situations of which they could take advantage.They go out with the intention of breaking into a property, but usually they will not know where.

“It is important to remember to remove keys from the doors and not leave them in the lock at any time, even when you are on your property gardening, for instance. Criminals look for an easy target and we want people to remove the opportunity for them to strike.”

Leaving valuables such as expensive electronic equipment on display, on window sills or in clear view of passers-by, can attract unwanted attention. “It is very unusual for criminals to case houses and watch them over a period,” says Sgt Osmotherley, “But if mobile phones, iPads or laptops are left on in highly visible places, the property could become a target, particularly if the keys are left in the lock. It is sensible to keep valuables out of view.”

This message is reinforced in areas with high numbers of students who are known to have computer equipment and other items.

Advice is given by PCs and PCSOs on patrol, and also at meetings and forums held in local community centres.

Much of the advice is common sense, but households need reminding. To this end, West Yorkshire Police operates a web-based interactive house offering room-by-room tips to guard against thieves.

On the site, West Yorkshire Force Crime Reduction Officer Chris Joyce says: “Improving security around your home doesn’t necessarily have to cost a fortune. It can be the simple things that take only a few minutes of your time that prevent crime from taking place.”

In Bradford, Neighbourhood Watch continues to help in deterring criminals. There are around 1,300 groups operating across the district, giving residents an extra layer of protection against crime.

“Being members of a group gives residents peace of mind in the knowledge that others are keeping a watchful eye on their premises,” says Sgt Osmotherley. We get some very helpful information from co-ordinators.

Co-ordinators and members have access to a Neighbourhood Watch shop selling items such as door locks and security latches for windows.

It is worthwhile, adds Sgt Osmotherley, for people to set themselves a night-time routine. “Before you got to bed, check around the house and make sure windows and doors are locked and vauables are out of sight. If you do this every evening it will become a habit – an important one.”

* West Yorkshire Police (non-emergencies) 0845 6060606, Crimestoppers: 0800 555111. To view the interactive house, visit westyorkshire.police.uk/?Page=6390|Crime+Prevention+ Interactive+House.