POLICE have warned people to keep doors closed after the recent hot weather brought an increase in burglaries.

Officers said a rise in burglaries in Chester-le-Street that has accompanied the hot spell is partly because people were forgetting to keep windows and doors closed while out enjoying the sunny weather in their gardens.

On Saturday, police say one woman in Grange Villa came face to face with a stranger in her home. He asked her some innocuous questions and then left.

A short while later she noticed her purse containing money and credit cards was missing.

On the same day, someone crept into a house in Pelton and stole a handbag containing credit cards and cash.

Detective Sergeant Max Newby, based with Durham and Chester-le-Street Community Safety department, said in both cases the doors were unlocked and someone had walked in from the street and helped themselves.

He said: "Obviously we don't expect people to lock themselves in on sunny days, but you can take sensible precautions.

"If you are in the garden or upstairs, make sure the relevant doors and windows are locked. If you go out, even for a minute or so, lock your door."

He said overall burglary had been reduced by 28 per cent in Chester-le-Street and Durham in the past year.

Det Sgt Newby said anyone wanting more crime prevention advice can ring the community safety department on 0191-3752814.