As a representative of Neighbourhood Watch for my own road, I am rather dismayed at the carelessness of householders who leave an open invitation to burglars - day and night - to come into their houses and help themselves, and leave their cars with easy access for thieves.

Cases I can mention that I have noticed recently: downstairs windows left open at night - they may be small but they make it easier for burglars to get in; rear doors and windows left open while householders 'nip around the corner for a few minutes'; windows open during the day while the owners are out.

There are genuine window cleaners, but anyone can get a ladder, a bucket and a cloth, who could tell the difference?

While people are on holiday they should arrange for someone to come in and pick up their post or newspapers left on the front doormat. When they go to work this could be left there all day, perhaps stuck in the letter box.

Milk, left out, even in a special milk box, is a dead give-away.

Personally I gave up having milk delivered several years ago, and the milkman was rather upset.

Do men in old vans knock at your door asking if there is something wrong with your chimney?

They call you out to have a look, and then lock the door behind you if you do go out!

When it happened to me, I had great delight in telling these con-men that my chimney had been seen to and that only minor repairs were needed to put it right.

Bicycles left in front gardens - take a little time to make them secure.

Even if you don't think there is anything to take in your house, think of the damage burglars can cause.

Some people need help in getting bank accounts organised so that they can get benefits paid straight into them and not have money left in the house.

Trust no one ? if you're not sure about the person at the door, check, even if they have official-looking identification.

Help each other! Keep an eye on the elderly neighbour; a couple of minutes checking on a vulnerable neighbour could save a lot of grief.

Don't leave your front door open then go to the back garden - even for a few minutes.

Car windows shouldn't be left open when parked in the street overnight.

I could go on, but enough doom and gloom.

Name and address supplied.