Police urge the public to ensure all doors and windows are locked and valuable items are not on show this Christmas.

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Police in Honiton are urging the public not to leave their homes vulnerable to burglars.

Homeowners are being urged to ensure all doors and windows are locked – especially at night.

Almost a third of burglaries take place at homes where doors and windows are unlocked.

PC Clive Vickery of Honiton Police Station said: “With more hours of darkness, when people are out or at work, doing the Christmas shopping or picking up the kids from after-school clubs, there is more opportunity for criminals to target vulnerable homes for burglary.

“People should make sure their windows and doors are always locked when they leave home. Even when at home, people should never leave open or unlocked windows and doors unattended.”

He added: “Use a timer when leaving the house or going away on holiday. Don’t leave valuable items like computers, laptops, phones, wallets, car keys or jewellery on display.

“Don’t buy secondhand electrical goods, computers or phones unless you know they are legitimate.”

The public are advised to keep photographs of jewellery or make a note of serial numbers on electrical items and mark property if possible.