POLICE have appealed for people to close their windows when they leave the house as warm weather continues.

They say that whilst it might "seem tempting" to leave windows or even the back door open for a short period of time when you leave the house, it "could provide an opportunity for someone to take advantage of the situation and commit a crime".

It comes as the UK continues to experience a period of fine weather, with warm temperatures expected across Hampshire into next week.

Now, police have issued advice on how to keep your house secure.

A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary said: "Most burglaries are committed by opportunists. A criminal may pick a house that looks unoccupied, has left a window or back-gate open or has little or no obvious security.

"These are often spur-of-the-moment decisions, made when they see valuables left on view or lapses in security. Car keys, left somewhere obvious can also be an attractive target.

"By looking at your current level of security you can identify areas for improvement and reduce the risk of becoming the victim of burglary.

"Walk around your property – if you were locked out, where would you try to get in? Chances are that would also be where a burglar would try."

They add that burglars will often try knocking at the door to see whether anyone is home, and if they see you are in the garden but not answering the door, they will try the door handle to sneak in undetected.

Therefore, officers have advised people to lock their front doors whilst at home, rather than just pulling the handle up.

"When you shut the door and lift the handle the hook bolts are thrown into the locking mechanism in the door frame," the spokesperson continued.

"By turning the key the you are locking these hook bolts into place. If you don't key lock the bolts in place they can be disengaged by simply pushing down the inside or outside handle.

"It’s vital that you remember to remove the key and to keep it away from the door out of sight. Remember to lift, lock and remove.

"Please do just take that little bit of extra care as we begin to spend more time outside the home.

"As ever, we would ask the public to remain vigilant, and to report any crimes which are in progress or where there is a threat to life by calling 999."

The warm weather also couples with easing coronavirus lockdown measures, which means that people can spend more time outside the house.