BURGLARS on Teesside are taking advantage of people enjoying the warm weather.

Families sweltering in the heat wave are throwing open house windows and doors to get a through draft into their homes - and letting in thieves.

Crime-fighters fear that soaring temperatures will see an increase in walk-in thefts, which already account for 21 per cent of all household burglaries in the area - central Middlesbrough being the worst hit.

The crime prevention organisation, Safe in Tees Valley, is running an advertising campaign to combat the crime - a campaign planned before the present heat wave struck.

"The potential for an increase is there with householders leaving doors and windows open," said Inspector Brian Neale, of Cleveland Police.

"By definition, with walk-in burglaries lots of people are unaware they have been burgled.

"If they do realise that items have gone missing they are sometimes loathe to report the fact because of embarrassment."

People are leaving front doors unlocked and windows open, while they have a barbecue in the back garden, relax on the patio or go to the shop, thinking they will be out of the house for only two minutes.

Insp Neale said no additional security equipment is needed; a simple turn of the door key can prevent someone becoming a victim.

Residents of Elder Court, in Middlesbrough town centre, raised funds last year to supply each house with door chains. Neighbourhood street lighting has also been improved.

Joe Bennett, chairman of the Court Association for Elder and Hazel Court Housing, said; "At every meeting we stress how important it is to be on your guard and we advise that residents keep their doors locked at all times."