AGE Concern Somerset is warning homeowners to be extra vigilant this spring and ensure they protect their homes against break-ins as the days get longer and people spend more time outdoors or away.

Research shows that households in Avon and Somerset are more than twice as likely as those in Devon and Cornwall to be broken into, with 8,761 home burglaries reported to Avon and Somerset Police last year.

And houses with no security measures are around ten times more likely to have been victims of burglary than those with simple security measures such as deadlocks on doors or window locks.

Alice Munro-Ferguson at Age Concern Somerset said: “We know that as the days get longer and the weather becomes milder in spring, older people are able to get out and about more, visiting friends, family and neighbours.

“It’s so important that extra precautions are taken so that people don’t fall victim to break-ins when leaving their house unoccupied.

“As well as ensuring your home is adequately protected against a possible burglary by taking out a home insurance policy, you’ll be financially protected should you become a victim.”

Age Concern Somerset and the police have a five-point plan to help older people protect their homes against burglary: *never leave a spare key under the door mat or a plant pot as these are the first places burglars look; *double lock all windows and doors when you leave the house; *cancel the delivery of milk and newspapers if you are away for a long period; *set your burglar alarm or buy a dummy alarm box to deter opportunist thieves; *ask a neighbour, friend or relative to keep an eye on your property and keep the front door clear of deliveries.