Residents and car owners are being reminded to be vigilant over the summer holiday period to avoid becoming a victim of crime.
The advice, from the Safer North Hampshire Community Safety Partnership, is aimed at encouraging people to take sensible safety precautions to ensure their home and property remains safe.
Young people are also being encouraged to be good citizens and to avoid committing antisocial behaviour.
Cllr John Kennett, Chair of Safer North Hampshire, said: “Opportunistic burglars do operate over the summer. Not only are they on the look-out for homes that are empty for weeks while people are on holiday, but more opportunistically – realising that people will sometimes leave windows or doors open while out for a short time. Therefore, we are encouraging people to follow the standard crime prevention advice and keep windows and doors secure. By following a few simple tips, people can help to keep their property safe, whether they are at home or on holiday.
“We also encourage young people to have a happy summer holiday, but please be mindful of your neighbours and avoid committing antisocial behaviour and disturbing other people, especially late at night. We want everyone to have a great summer.”
Crime prevention tips include making homes looked lived in by using automatic timer switches to either switch on lights or turn the radio on.  Residents should also secure their windows when they are not in the room – net curtains can also help to prevent burglars from seeing inside.  Ensure the front door is locked if everyone is in the garden.
Other advice includes not discussing holiday plans in front of strangers or posting details on social networking sites in advance or while on holiday.  If possible, people should ask a trusted neighbour or a friend to keep an eye on the house and outbuildings.
Sheds should be secured by fitting a good quality padlock, with fittings reinforced at the back with a steel plate. Consider replacing any existing door screws with ones that cannot be unscrewed once they are screwed in, and check that house insurance covers items in sheds, garages and outbuildings.
Whether parking when out for the day or at home, remember to lock vehicles and do not leave the windows open, even in hot weather. Never leave items on display, and never leave dogs or children alone in hot vehicles, even for a few minutes.
People can property mark valuables with a UV pen, as well as registering them free on www.immobilise.com, including the make, model and photographs of items.
More information and advice is available on the Safer North Hampshire website, www.safernh.co.uk or the Hampshire Constabulary website, www.hampshire.police.uk.