HOUSEBREAKING tips provided by burglars are being used to fight crime.

Twelve prolific burglars were interviewed and gave an insight into what makes easy pickings for thieves.

One said that a house in darkness was always an open invitation.

The information has reinforced a safety message being promoted to residents across Teesside, who are being urged to plug house lights into a timer switch if they go out.

The clocks go back this weekend and Cleveland Police said winter traditionally saw an increase in burglaries because crooks make use of the darkness.

Staff from the Safe in Tees Valley organisation have co-ordinated the campaign, as part of which they analysed 518 victims.

They found that 90 per cent had no security lighting or that thieves pushed to one side lighting that activates when it detects movement.

Police Community Support Officers and neighbourhood wardens are now being enlisted to spread the warning about tea-time burglaries.

Cleveland Police Crime Prevention Officer Gerry McBride said: "We have a new crime prevention vehicle that will be out and about, touring estates, raising awareness of this issue.

"Just a simple plug-in timer could be enough to put off an opportunist criminal from burgling your home.

"Lighting up your home at night makes your property look far less attractive to a criminal. There is no doubt that security lighting can deter burglars and it also reduces the fear of crime.''

Officers spotting houses in darkness will put leaflets through letterboxes warning householders that their home could be targeted.