It’s getting hot, hot, hot in the ‘burbs and police would like to remind residents to keep their homes well secured.

Warmer months often lead to an increase in break and enter offences to residential properties as residents become complacent about securing doors and windows in an effort to cool down.

Most house-breaks appear to be crimes of opportunity, with entry often gained through an open or unlocked door or window. In many other circumstances, minimal effort is used to gain entry, for example via poor quality door locks.

It is important to remember that our aim is not to turn the home into a fortress or a prison. We are, however, attempting to make the home resistant to entry by opportunistic offenders.

Units and apartments are not immune to these offences despite their height from the ground. Many offenders will climb balconies to gain entry through balcony doors or windows.

The most basic measures can often be the most effective, such as securing doors and windows, even when at home.

Other tips include:

• Install reliable security screen doors on main external entrances- this will allow a cool breeze to flow whilst adding security.
• Remember to actually key lock your security doors and remove the key from the lock.
• Get to know your neighbours.
• Fit deadlocks on all external doors.
• When moving in to your home or apartment, install new locks on entrance doors.
• Never leave notes that indicate your absence.
• Always take your door key with you, do not hide it, and never put your name and address on your key ring.
• Observe and report suspicious activity.
• Keep foliage trimmed back around your property so others can view suspicious activity.
• In an emergency or if a crime is happening now, call Triple Zero (000).
• If it is not an emergency and the crime has already happened, call Policelink on 131 444.
• If you have any information that might help solve a crime call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.

Anyone with information which could assist with this matter should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au 24hrs a day.