As the evenings get darker and people head out to trick and treat or watch fireworks, crime tends to be on the rise, Surrey Police has warned.

The weeks that include Halloween, bonfire night and firework season lead to a jump in the number of burglaries in the county, as people are out and about enjoying the festivities and leaving their houses unattended.

There were 74 burglaries in Surrey on Halloween between 2009 and 2013, an average of 14.8 crimes on October 31 each year.

An equal amount took place on the Saturday nearest bonfire night, when most celebrations take place.

Superintendent Jerry Westerman said: "The statistics show that Halloween and the days around bonfire night are popular with burglars as residents go out to events in the evenings.

"We're determined to change that pattern this year by showing residents how they can make their homes more secure and less inviting to intruders.

"We can all do our bit to make sure that the only bangs on Bonfire Night are coming from fireworks displays - not thieves stealing our valuables."

Extra advice is available from Neighbourhood Watch group to prevent people becoming a victim of burglary.

For more information visit surrey.police.uk.