POLICE have revealed the number of homes burgled has risen in the Thames Valley over the past year as they launch a new advice campaign.

Between September 1, 2017 and and August 31 residential burglaries went up by three per cent across the region compared with the previous 12 months.

Detective Chief Superintendent Richard List said the rise was consistent with other forces and officers were working to tackle the issue.

He added: “By taking a proactive approach, there are a number of practical steps that local residents can take to reduce the risk of becoming a victim."

This advice includes;

- When going out, remember to light up your home using timer switches or a TV simulator.

- Don’t leave valuables or cash on display and store your house and car keys away from your letter box.

- Move bins away from any side gates to prevent easy access into your property.

- Lock any tools away to prevent them being used to break into your home.

- Consider fitting a motion activated external light or installing a CCTV system.

- Finally, mark valuables using a UV pen and register them on the UK national property register at immobilise.com.

To see more advice visit thamesvalley.police.uk/burglary.