As evenings draw in, Gloucestershire Constabulary launched an anti-burglary campaign this week, to keep properties safer during the darkest times of the year.
Residential burglaries tend to rise over winter months as darker nights provide greater opportunities for burglars to identify when people are out
The Constabulary is offering discounted forensic property marking kits, while urging people to provide information about those they believe are responsible for break-ins.
Assistant Chief Constable for operations Craig Holden said: "Burglary is an abhorrent crime which can provoke intense emotional reactions.
"But without solid evidence it can be difficult to convict burglary offenders. The public can help us to identify and convict offenders by increasing security around their homes, such as CCTV, digital doorbells and the use of forensic marking liquids as this will help to provide the evidence we need."
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