POLICE have issued a renewed plea for families in a Northumberland town to make life harder for criminals.
It comes after the latest house burglary in Ashington - which was hit last year by a wave of opportunist break-ins at homes, garden sheds and parked cars.
Now a local police chief has urged residents to keep their doors and windows locked – even if they are only leaving the house for a few minutes.
On Monday night burglars got into a house in Portia Street through an unlocked door, and stole a Nintendo DS games console and a handbag containing cash before making off. The occupant had left the house to visit her next door neighbours and had left her front door unlocked when the raiders struck.
Northumbria Police Ashington Inspector, Kevin Oates, said: ”Opportunist burglars spotted this chance and helped themselves. We need people to think about crime prevention more and about protecting their property. An unlocked door is like an invitation for burglars. Lock your home whenever you leave it and always report any suspicious behaviour.”
