People are being reminded to report suspicious activity as the afternoons grow darker.

Burglaries often increase during the autumn and winter months.

Hertfordshire Police has now issued advice in the run up to Christmas.

Safer Neighbourhood Officers will also be holding crime prevention events across the county, giving away free burglary prevention packs and offering advice on keeping homes and valuables safe.

People are also being advised to make their homes as secure as possible and consider installing some of the new security devices which have come onto the market lately.

There is now a variety of inexpensive security lights and wifi-enabled doorbell and interior cameras, fitted with motion sensors, which enable you to monitor your home remotely using your phone.

These kinds of devices can be easily installed for minimal expense and have been successful in thwarting a number of burglaries across the country.

Make your home more secure by following some basic crime prevention advice such as:

• Ensure doors are double locked at all times. Keep windows closed and locked.

• Consider installing a door bell camera, internal camera and/or monitored burglar alarm.

• Install ‘dusk to dawn’ external lighting and use timer switches in your home to control internal lights, radios and a simulated TV.

• Keep keys and valuables secure and out of sight.

• Ensure boundary fences are secure with side gates locked. Keep tools and ladders in a locked shed.

• Join Hertfordshire’s Neighbourhood Watch for alerts and advice: www.owl.co.uk.

• Visit www.owlprotect.uk for discounts on security products

More crime prevention advice is available at www.herts.police.uk/protectyourhome and www.hertscitizensacademy.org