Following “basic safety tips” is still the best way to avoid burglary, according to the Harrow councillor responsible for dealing with crime in the borough.

Cllr Krishna Suresh, who also looks after community safety at Harrow Council, urged people to take as many precautions as possible to deter criminals.

He also noted that the council is “working in partnership” with local police services and called on residents to “engage” with both authorities to help reduce crime.

It comes after recent police figures showed there has been a three per cent increase in the number of burglaries in Harrow since 2016.

This is higher than the national average, where figures have dropped over the past few years, but is relatively low when compared with other London boroughs.

Cllr Suresh explained that, statistically, Harrow is “still the safest borough in London” but this can sometimes lead to it being “ignored” when it comes to funding.

And he reminded residents not to get complacent and to ensure they do all they can to keep themselves and others safe.

He said: “Many burglaries happen at night, when criminals know that people are asleep.

“Make sure all your windows and doors are double-locked to make things as safe as possible and help prevent people getting in.

“We also advise people to install alarm systems and think about putting up security lights and CCTV systems.”

Cllr Suresh also suggested neighbours set up group messages to share advice and warn each other of any potential issues.

He added police teams in Harrow are targeting “hotspot” crime areas and have recently handed out advice to businesses in town centres that have suffered break-ins.

And he welcomed the Government’s plans to introduce more police officers in the borough but said there is still “a long way to go” to reverse cuts over the past ten years.