Police in Preston have been walking into homes and garages across Fulwood to highlight how vulnerable some people are leaving their dwellings.

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Fulwood’s Neighbourhood Policing team visited a housing estate in North Fulwood and walked into unlocked properties.

Sergeant Mike Sampson said the police were able to access two houses with no one present and the doors unlocked.

They opened up 24 garages without any force, 18 side gates and saw five bikes and 11 sheds all unsecured.

Sgt Sampson said: “Leaving any of your property unlocked or on show is like an open invitation to a thief. Make sure you lock your vehicle and close your windows at all times. Remember to also remove any valuables from your car.

“We are trying to keep theft at a low level by taking a proactive approach rather than just being reactive after someone’s belongings are stolen, but residents can also help prevent crime by taking a more cautious approach.”

Those who left their property unlocked were spoken to by officers and given crime prevention advice to help them reduce their risk of having their items stolen in the future.

Where the property owner wasn’t in, leaflets were also left to hit home the message that they could have been visited by a real thief.