Burglars are making off from people’s unlocked homes with all their worldly possessions, through open windows and doors.

In Croydon, more than ten per cent of burglaries are happening because residents are leaving their doors and windows unlocked.

Figures show that out of a total of 2,725 residential burglaries in the borough from April to September, 286 burglars simply strolled into their target house.

The figures come after the Met launched it’s “Lock Before You Leave” campaign last week, part of Operation Bumblebee, aimed at tackling burglary across London.

Detective Inspector Clare Mullenger, who leads Croydon’s Burglary Squad, said: "Open doors and windows are an invitation to burglars, and make life easier for them.

"Residents can definitely play their part by keeping doors and windows locked and also by reporting anyone acting suspiciously by calling 999."

Thieves are also using instruments to get keys through letter boxes, windows and dog flaps, DI Mullenger said.

"We’ve frequently seen cases where burglars use items to reach through letterboxes or slip the lock when the door is only secured with a single Yale lock," DI Mullenger added.

"Residents need to make sure that doors are properly secured and valuables not left within easy reach - especially small items, like wallets, keys, i-pods or laptops."