AVON and Somerset Constabulary is holding a two-week campaign to sting burglars, starting on Monday.

Under Operation Bumblebee, its ongoing anti-burglary initiative, officers across the force will be mixing crime prevention advice with hard-hitting operations to tackle burglars.

Since Operation Bumblebee was introduced in the Avon and Somerset area in January 1993, the number of domestic burglaries has fallen significantly.

In the year ending March 31 that number fell by 1,180 compared to the year before — an 11 per cent drop.

But many more crimes could be prevented if homeowners took a few simple precautions.

Chief Inspector Tim Lee, of the force's crime reduction unit, said: "House break-ins are mainly carried out by opportunist thieves looking to pocket a quick haul of jewellery or credit cards and anything else that is easy to take away.

"An open window or a back door left ajar becomes an open invitation to the criminal mind."

CI Lee's advice includes:

l Fit good quality locks to windows and patio doors, and mortice deadlocks to front and back entrances.

l Lock your doors and windows every time you go out, not forgetting the shed and garage.

l Install security lighting front and back and secure the side gate.

l Look in when you are out and leave a radio on during the day or a light on if you go out at night.

l Join a Neighbourhood Watch scheme and work with neighbours to keep the community safe.

l Postcode your property and photograph or video valuables and antiques.

l Consider investing in a burglar alarm.

During the crackdown police officers and special constables will be looking out for properties at risk. Under the Vulnerable House scheme, residents will be sent a letter pointing out the risk and giving crime prevention advice.

And across the force area officers will be carrying out high-profile patrols in hotspots to deter thieves.