Homeowners in Northumbria are being warned to stay vigilant as summer draws ever nearer, with opportunistic thieves likely to take advantage of the soaring temperatures.
The police service said that residents should try and keep homes secure, despite being tempted to leave doors and windows open unattended because of the heat.
Burglars are likely to take the opportunity to sneak inside homes and steal valuables.
Police in Sunderland have collaborated with the British Association of Insurers to send out the message to local residents.
"We don't expect people to keep their homes permanently locked up but we are asking them to take a bit of extra care – more than a third of burglaries to homes in the Sunderland area happen because doors and windows have been left insecure," Inspector Alan Patterson of Sunderland Area Command said.
He said that burglars would take any opportunity to gain access to a home, but warned that leaving windows and doors wide open "is just inviting them in".
Inspector Patterson added: "The Association of British Insurers says insurance companies expect people to take responsibility for their personal possessions… It's always better to be safe than sorry."
Prepare yourself for financial loss should a burglar gain entry into your property. See how
InsureandGo's prices fare by calling for a quote.