Age Concern Sutton are warning homeowners to protect themselves against a potential break ins.

Judy Okeke at Age Concern Sutton said residents should never leave a spare key under the door mat or plant pot and should lock all windows and doors and set burglar alarms before the leave the home.

She said: “It is so important that extra precautions are taken so that people don’t fall victim to break-ins when leaving their house unoccupied.

“As well as ensuring your home is adequately protected against a possible burglary, by taking out a home insurance policy you will be financially protected should you become a victim.”

The British crime survey for 2007-08 shows households with no home security measures are around 10 times more likely to have been victims of burglary than those with simple security measures in place, such as deadlocks on doors or window locks.

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