HALF of all burglaries in west Suffolk are caused by people leaving their doors and windows open or unlocked – prompting Suffolk police to launch a new campaign.

HALF of all burglaries in west Suffolk are caused by people leaving their doors and windows open or unlocked – prompting Suffolk police to launch a new campaign.

The force is incorporating two of its current operations Western Shield and First Impact to focus on reducing the number of household burglaries.

The aim of the three-month campaign is to target persistent offenders and to educate the public into how they can best secure their homes.

The launch of the campaign coincides with new statistics that show 50% of all household burglaries in the west of the county are due to people leaving their homes unlocked.

Although crime and burglary figures in west Suffolk are down in general, police feel there is still much more that can be done to further reduce crime statistics.

Jo Garrard, Community Safety Sergeant, said: "In some areas of the west over half of the homes burgled are targeted because a door or window has been left open."

"As the new community sergeant for the west I was shocked by this statistic but encouraged that it was one that we can all do something about."

"We are fortunate to live and work in of the safest counties in the country with low crime figures.

Despite this good news we cannot afford to become complacent and there are many things that people can do to further secure their homes," she said.

"Improving the security of your home need not be expensive. Shutting and locking doors and windows is free and can significantly reduce the chance of your home being the next to be burgled."