Police in Telford are warning householders to be vigilant and to keep their homes safe and secure during the summer weather.

At this time of year a number of people leave doors and windows open as the weather heats up.

But police are warning residents to think twice and to install security measures, including door chains and ventilation locks, to ensure their homes are well protected when windows and doors are opened.

Police Constable Fred Jones, Crime Risk Officer for Telford, said it was important people heeded the advice to prevent themselves from becoming a victim of crime.

He said: "The summer months are upon us, which inevitably means that we all want to open doors and windows to allow the fresh air to circulate.

"Unfortunately doing this may leave homes vulnerable for the opportunist criminal to enter properties.

"However, there are products on the market that people can buy, which allow them to have their windows and doors open and still maintain a degree of security.

"We would urge people to think about investing in these products and above all to remember to close their windows and doors when they leave the property."

Products householders can buy include:

. Door chains - Fit these to both front and back doors, allowing the doors to be open a short distance and no further

. Ventilation Locks - Fitted to windows and these also restrict the opening distance so no one can reach or climb in

. Motion Detectors - There is a wide range available from movement sensors that hang on door and window handles, to sensors that can be fixed to door and window frames to PIR sensors that can sit on a shelf. All of these detectors emit an alarm or chime to warn the occupant of the house and scare off the would-be intruder.

All of these items are available from local DIY stores.

For further crime prevention advice contact Constable Jones on (01952) 214830.