Hertfordshire Constabulary is reminding people to keep their homes secure and report suspicious behaviour as part of its autumn campaign to crackdown on burglaries.

Sian Lockley, the Chief Inspector at Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Crime Reduction Unit, warned that burglary increases as the afternoons get darker, as it is easier to identify unoccupied homes, which are often left unlit.

She said: “Burglary has increased this year, but residents can take action to protect their homes.

“Criminals avoid breaking into occupied homes. If you give your home a lived in look, by using a timer switch to turn on a light or TV, then criminals will avoid your home.”

Police and Crime Commissioner David Lloyd added: “Tackling the increase in burglaries this year is a top priority for the police, who will be visiting many residents and helping them to secure their homes.

“Crime is comparatively low in Hertfordshire and residents can play a big part in keeping burglary down and preventing themselves becoming a victim, by making sure their homes are secure, reporting suspicious behaviour and joining a neighbourhood watch scheme.”

The Observer has reported on a number of burglaries over the past few weeks, although they are not being linked by police.

Two people were charged after a home in Garratts Road, Bushey, was broken into on Sunday, October 8.

Two days earlier, a home in Little Bushey Lane, Bushey, was also targeted by thieves who forced open a window and searched inside, taking jewellery and cash.

Thieves armed with knives and screwdrivers snatched jewellery from people and stole their mobile phones while they were having dinner at their home in Gammons Lane, Watford, on Saturday, October 21.

A man in his 20s was also knocked out by a burglar who forced his way into his Watford home in Oxhey Avenue on Thursday, October 12.

Detectives are also investigating the whereabouts of a distinctive silver Hugo Boss Admiral watch was taken from a property in Meadow Road, Watford.

People are advised to make their homes more secure by:

• Use timer switches on a lamp, radio or tv set so that they turn on as it gets dark in the afternoons.

• Make a habit of checking that ground floor windows and doors are closed and locked when you leave the house or go to bed. Upstairs windows should be locked when the house is unoccupied.

• PVCu doors must be locked by lifting the handle and turning the key to ensure all the security features are in place.

• Car and house keys should be kept out of sight in a safe place. Don’t leave them on display on window sills, in porches, hallways or kitchens.

• Secure your rear garden by shutting and locking any gates. Burglars can use garden tools, like ladders to break in, so make sure you securely lock away any tools after use.