Specialist manhunt teams will be deployed across London in a capital-wide crackdown on burglars.

The Met Police has relaunched Operation Bumblebee, an initiative aimed at protecting residents against burglaries in the coming winter months – a season during which London typically sees a rise in offences.

Among the Met’s methods will be manhunt teams, high-visibility patrols and predictive crime mapping techniques.

Temporary chief superintendent Sean Wilson, who is leading the operation, said: "Burglary can be a very traumatic experience with a long-lasting impact on victims.

"We are working with other forces from across the country in a coordinated effort so that burglars will have nowhere to hide.  We are sending a clear message that anyone who benefits from burglary is implicated in a serious crime.

"By thinking like a burglar, and noticing and addressing where your home and possessions may be vulnerable, you can reduce the chances of it happening to you."

The Met says officers will also be targeting organised criminal groups who they believe prey on elderly and vulnerable residents by pretending to be officials to gain access to their homes.

People selling or receiving stolen goods, with a focus on gold, jewellery and items such as tablets and laptops will also be targeted.

Latest figures show offences have fallen by 4 per cent across London compared to last year with the biggest reduction seen in residential burglary.

The Met has also released a list of tips for residents to protect their homes:

  • Don't leave your keys or ID documents within easy reach of doors, letterboxes or windows.
  • Close and lock all doors and windows. If you have multi-locking door handles, lift the handle, lock it with the key and remove it. Remember - LIFT - LOCK - REMOVE. Put the key in a safe place out of sight in case of fire.
  • Lock garages and sheds so garden tools and ladders can't be used to break into your home.
  • Keep side gates locked and wheelie bins stored behind them.
  • Use timer switches linked to lights and a radio so it appears that someone is at home.
  • Invest in a safe for valuables and sentimental items and securely fix it to a solid surface.
  • Install a visible intruder alarm system - burglars don't want to be seen or heard.
  • Install low level 'dusk till dawn' lighting to increase visibility and deter burglars.
  • Keep side and rear boundaries high to restrict access and front boundaries low to remove hiding places.
  • Photograph and mark valuables and sentimental items with your postcode and house number/name.