Householders should make sure that they lock their windows and doors over the coming months - so that they don't fall prey to opportunistic burglaries, says one UK police force.

The Norfolk Constabulary is launching its summertime opportunistic burglary campaign - in response to figures showing that a third of all burglaries in the summer of 2006 were opportunistic break-ins.

"Burglars will take any chance of benefiting from someone else's success," Superintendent Glyn Evans, Community Safety, commented.

"Leaving doors or windows unlocked or ajar whilst you may have only popped out for a few minutes or are simply in the back garden enjoying a BBQ can give them the opening they need.

"There are steps that can be taken to help your house or shed become more secure and the campaign over the next few weeks will be highlighting such advice."

A recent study revealed that homeowners are around ten per cent more likely to fall victim to burglary in the summer than in the winter.