POLICE have issued a warning after a spike of burglaries and thefts of cars over the weekend.

St Helens Police say they have received reports of burglaries and thefts of vehicles in the Sutton area during the weekend.

In response, officers have reiterated advice to residents on how to keep their home safe:

  • Lock your windows and doors when you go out or go to bed.
  • Use your house alarm if you've got one. Light timer switches are a good idea too.
  • Make sure you lock your UPVC door properly if you have one - remember to lift the handle, turn the key and then remove it.
  • Keep your valuables out of sight, away from your windows and doors: e.g. car keys, laptops, mobile phones, purse/ wallet.
  • Lock your shed and/ or garage if you have one.
  • Fit a letterbox restrictor to your front door.
  • Use a UV pen to mark your valuable items with your postcode and house number. This will help us to return these items to you, should they ever be stolen and later found.

People can call 101 to report a burglary or dial 999 in an emergency, for example, if the burglar is still in your home.

When reporting a burglary to us, the operator will let you know when to expect a visit from an officer.