RESIDENTS in Headless Cross and Oakenshaw are being warned to be wary of opportunist thieves operating in the area.

Safer neighbourhood teams have urged residents to follow a few simple steps to help prevent them becoming victims of crime.

A spokesman from Headless Cross and Oakenshaw Safer Neighbourhood Team said: "During summer months it’s nice to open the windows and get some fresh air in to the house.

"However, it’s easy to forget that opportunist thieves will target homes at this time of year where security appears to have been relaxed."

Steps to keep safe this summer include remembering to keep doors and windows locked when a room is unattended, even if people are in the house, and invest in an alarm system and fit high quality locks.

Other advice includes keeping valuable items out of sheds, and marking valuable items, either by using a permanent marker, UV pen or ‘Smartwater.’

Officers also said vehicles are often targeted at this time of year so people should keep cars locked and keys inside the home out of sight.