KENT Police are reminding people across the county to take every precaution ensure they keep their homes secure.

The advice comes after a slight rise in the number of break-ins in the Maidstone and Malling areas which have occurred as a result of windows being left open.

The police advise:

*Always shut and lock your doors and windows when they are unattended. Remember - any space big enough for a human head is big enough for someone to climb through.

* Don’t leave double glazed windows partially open, on the vent setting. Although the window would only be open by a tiny gap, this could still give an offender enough room to put an implement inside to force the window properly open.

* Never leave keys in hiding places such as under flower pots or on top of door frames. Burglars know where to look. You could always leave a spare set of keys with a trusted neighbour or friend.

* Where possible fit an alarm.

If you are going away on holiday or for any length of time, use timers on your lights (they are inexpensive and easy to set up). * Also, cancel your milk for the duration of your absence and ask a friend or neighbour to collect your post so it doesn’t build up on your doormat.

* Never leave property in a porch you tend to leave insecure, even if the door is usually shut.

* Don’t leave expensive items on window sills where they could be seen from the street.

* Property mark your valuables. You can use a UV pen or etching tool to mark property with your house number and postcode. This will make it easy to identify and will act as a huge deterrent to thieves.

Anyone with information about burglary in the Maidstone and Malling area should contact police on 01622 608189, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 – this call is free and confidential.