Officers in Elmbridge are reminding residents to be vigilant with their home security while away on holiday.
The latest warning follows a burglary at a property in Walton-on-Thames in which entry was gained via an upstairs window that the householder had left open for ventilation while away on holiday. Hundreds of pounds in coins were stolen in the incident which occurred sometime between Saturday, 18 August, and Saturday, 25 August.
Elmbridge Neighbourhood Inspector David Hollingsworth said: "With the warmer weather it can obviously be tempting to leave a window open when going away for a few days. Unfortunately to an opportunistic burglar an open window is an open invitation, especially if there are other tell-tale signs that you're away like a lack of car on the drive and mounting post in the hallway.
"For peace of mind while you are on holiday, make your home looks like someone is living in it by keeping curtains open and using automatic time-switches to turn your lights on when it goes dark. Cancel milk and newspaper deliveries and, if possible, ask a neighbour to pick up your mail. Neighbours can also help by occasionally parking their car on your driveway – anything to make the place look lived in.
"I would also advise that you put high valuable and sentimental items, keys and personal paperwork in a secure hiding place when leaving your home unattended.”