A SUMMER holiday warning has been issued over home and garden security.

Police are concerned that residents will drop their guard and leave house, garden shed and garage doors and windows open during warm weather.

Chester-le-Street crime prevention officer PC Graeme Davison said there was also a tendency to leave garden and play equipment lying out unattended during hot summer days.

PC Davison said: "It is just a case of taking a few preventative measures to spoil the summer for thieves.

"People paid a small fortune for children's bikes and other presents last Christmas, and yet they could so easily be taken if they are left lying on driveways and paths unattended a few months later.

"The same applies to lawn mowers, strimmers and hedge trimmers, which might be prone to the activities of sneak thieves while the owners' backs are turned, maybe just chatting over the fence to the neighbour.

"We would say: 'Don't give the opportunist thief any opportunities."

For crime prevention advice, call 0191-375 2354.