A WARNING has gone out to lock windows and doors as sneak thieves take advantage of the hot weather.

Accrington police say one third of all reported burglaries have come from people leaving windows and doors open or unlocked.

Sgt Damian Kitchen said that opportunists simply walk into the homes while the occupants are upstairs or in the garden.

He said £275 worth of jewellery and cash was taken from a house in Ash Street, Oswaldtwistle, after the thief climbed through a rear window while the occupants were in the front garden between 1pm and 3pm on Saturday.

Another incident occurred in Marble Street, Oswaldtwistle, between Thursday and Saturday when a Kodak camera worth £125 was taken after the thief strolled through an unlocked front door.

Sgt Kitchen said if anybody wanted advice on home security they should call their local police station and ask to speak to the community beat manager for their area.

PC Rachel Carbery, community beat manager for Peel, Huncoat and Altham, said: "One third of burglaries in the last few months have come from opportunist thieves entering houses through unlocked or open doors and windows.

"These need not happen and people are becoming victims unnecessarily."

Sgt Kitchen added: "These are all thefts that can be avoided. By leaving windows and doors unlocked or open you are making it easy for the criminals.

"If anybody has any questions contact their local police station. And if anybody has any information call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."