DARK nights provide the perfect cover for crime – so police in Darlington are reminding residents how to keep themselves safe.

As the nights draw in, police are launching their annual winter nights campaign to help residents becoming a victim of crime.

Officer s will be reminding people that a few simple steps can dramatically reduce the chances of becoming a target of opportunist thieves.

Those include making sure there are lights on in an unoccupied house, keeping valuables out of sight in vehicles and homes, or wearing something bright on the way home.

Christmas presents should also be hidden out of the way in cars and homes.

Dark nights also provide cover for anti-social behaviour, and Darlington Police will be focusing on reducing this as well as incidents of criminal damage.

The Winter Nights campaign is not just focussed on crime prevention but also a warning to criminals that all powers available will be used to catch them.

Temporary Detective Superintendent Paul Gray, of Durham Constabulary, said: “At this time of year it is important we remind people about personal safety and crime prevention.

“Dark evenings can provide the perfect cover for criminals who can easily spot an open window, an unoccupied room, see valuables left on display in your car or try their luck with an unlocked door without being noticed.

“We will be using all the powers at our disposal to pursue and catch opportunist thieves."

Officers are also asking people to keep an eye on elderly neighbours, as well as locking windows and doors – even if at home – and advising residents to leave curtains closed only in the evening and overnight.

People are also urged not to leave vehicle and house keys in the lock or on a side table in view of a window.

And those with sheds or outbuildings are reminded to secure and lock them for the winter, and consider installing a security light or CCTV.

*Anyone who notices unusual behaviour is asked to call police on 101.