The warm weather has led to an increase in home thefts, according to Greater Manchester Police.
Officers in Trafford have reported a ‘marked’ increase in thefts via windows and doors in the last few weeks as people keep their homes open during the hot weather.
They have now asked people to keep valuable items out of view after a number of mobile phones, handbags and car keys have been reported stolen from properties in the last few weeks.
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Police say many of these home thefts have been conducted via 'fishing' through the window or letterboxes in order for thieves to grab small items.
Inspector Neil Humphreys, from Greater Manchester Police ’s Central district, said: “While the warm weather is enjoyable for most of us, burglars and opportunist thieves are taking advantage of open windows and doors to steal mobile phones, handbags, car keys or anything of value.
“They can be in and out within 20 seconds so we would urge everyone to be vigilant and to close/lock windows and doors when they leave a room.
“Keep valuable items out of view as some thieves will ‘fish’ through the window or letterbox to grab small items like your keys, phone or bag.”
In a bid to crackdown on the rise in thefts, officers have been targeting specific locations with a series of ‘proactive initiatives’.
Inspector Humpreys added: “If you see any suspicious activity, please contact us early so we can deploy available resources quickly into the area.
“We are targeting specific locations with pro-active initiatives but we would ask everyone to help reduce the number of opportunities for burglars and opportunist thieves by closing and locking windows and doors and keeping valuables out of view.”
Any suspicious activity can be reported via the GMP website or by calling 101.
