Detectives in Beddington today (Monday 27th Sept) are reminding householders to take a few simple steps to secure their homes before they go out as part of a London-wide anti-burglary campaign.

Doors and windows should be closed and locked even if residents are only popping out for a few minutes, said Detective Inspector Jim Bennett, of Sutton CID.

"It only takes a few seconds to deter opportunist thieves from targeting your home, yet it can take several weeks and months to get over the ordeal of having your home burgled," he said.

Over the last few days in the borough three homes were burgled after entry had been gained in three different ways. - o An unlocked rear door enabled intruders to gain entry to a home in Culvers Way, Carshalton, on Friday 24th September between 3.00 - 4.45pm. They left empty handed after being disturbed by the householders who were in the property at the time.

o An open, front living room window was accessed overnight between 19-20th September at a home in Morden Way, Sutton, and a wallet containing £100 cash and credit cards was stolen.

o A uPVC door that was shut, but not locked, enabled a thief to gain entry to a property in Oakhill Road, Sutton, on 15th September between 11.30am-12.30pm. A laptop computer was taken from the coffee table in the lounge.

More than 5,000 homes were burgled last year in London by thieves simply walking in through unlocked doors, latest Met stats reveal. In a bid to cut the trend the Metropolitan Police Service is urging Londoners to 'lock before you leave' in an awareness campaign which launches this week to remind homeowners about locking their doors.

Just one month before the clocks go back - traditionally a time of increased criminal activity - breakfast radio ads will target listeners in cars or at home, while digital displays will reach commuters at key underground connections..

Assistant Commissioner Ian McPherson, head of Metropolitan Police Service Territorial Policing, is urging Londoners to be vigilant: "Although most residential burglaries involve criminals forcing their way into homes, many thefts occur when suspects simply walk in or climb in. Our simple message is always 'lock before you leave'. If your home is locked up and secure, burglars will find it much harder to get in."

Supt Martin Rusling, head of the Met's anti-burglary task force Operation Bumblebee adds: "Burglary, on the whole, is an opportunist crime and a burglar will look for an easy way to get in that won't take long or arouse suspicion, so many try the front door first.

"Over half of all burglaries occur through the front door. Mostly they are forced, but many are simply opened either from the front, or by putting something through the letterbox.

It's easy to leave your front door unlocked, especially when you're in a hurry or distracted. But even if you only do it once, that could be enough to get burgled."

Residents are being encouraged to visit the Met's special anti-burglary website: www.metbumblebee.org for more information and advice.

The Met is advising Londoners to: o Close and lock all your doors and windows, even if you are only going out for a few minutes.

o Make sure UPVC doors are properly locked with a key.

o Make sure the side and/or back gate is locked.

o Lock your shed or garage.

o Make sure that any valuables are out of sight.

o Don't leave your car keys or ID documents near doors, windows or your letterbox.

Although there is a traditional increase in burglaries in London during the Autumn, the overall number of burglaries continues to fall with recent figures (April to August 2010) revealing a 9% reduction compared with the same period last year. While prevention is vital the MPS recognises the need to target known or suspected burglars as well.

Operation Bumblebee is continuing to investigate and pursue suspects and bring them before the courts.