RESIDENTS are being urged to keep doors and windows locked to ensure the summer's heatwave does not turn into a crimewave.

As residents head out into the garden they are being told to keep their house locked up to avoid a nasty surprise when they return indoors.

Police chiefs say that more than 30 per cent of recent burglaries in the Lincoln area have been as a result of doors and windows not being locked.

Operation Fusion, a war on burglars, street robbers and car thieves, has already seen officers swoop in a series of raids on suspected drug dealers.

Now officers want to hammer home basic security warnings in a bid to stop crooks committing crime.

Chief Insp Mark Housley said: "We are lucky to be enjoying very nice weather, but let's make sure that those who would exploit the good weather in the pursuit of other people's belongings are not enjoying an increase in opportunities to steal.

"It's easy to be tempted into your garden by the sun, but bear in mind that there could be someone out there who could be just as easily tempted into your house through an open door or window.

"To be the victim of a burglary is a highly unpleasant ordeal to go through.

"But to know that you and your family were in the garden at the time can have a great impact on your feelings of safety.

"Please just take an extra moment to lock the door when you go out, even if you are just in the garden for a short time."

Police bosses have expressed surprise at the number of break-ins carried out by people who swoop when householders leave doors and windows open.

Burglaries have risen by 17 per cent in the last year – and police are hoping that residents can help them to clamp down on an increasing problem.

Sarah-Jane Freeman, community safety crime reduction manager for Lincolnshire Police, said people had to resist the temptation to leave doors and windows open when they leave their properties.

"Obviously, people are more inclined now when they leave home to try to get air circulating and leave doors and windows unlocked or on the latch," she said.

"We encourage people not to do that.

"However long you are away for, you are making the property attractive for the opportunist thief."

Anyone looking for more information should ring police on (01522) 532222.