Homeowners should tighten security over the next few weeks

Homeowners in UK property will be looking to ensure their home is secure this autumn and winter as the next few weeks could see a stark rise in crimes relating to the home.

Research from Aviva has found that between Halloween and bonfire night in 2010 there was a 26 per cent increase in burglaries as the dark nights officially started.

Over the past ten years, police have recorded a 28 per cent average rise on bonfire night itself, as criminals are shielded somewhat by the loud noises of celebrations and the greater chance of people not being home.

Rob Townend, property claims director at Aviva, said: "Unfortunately, the combination of darker nights and a mischievous occasion like Halloween or a noisy one like bonfire night present too good an opportunity for some criminals to resist."

He urged all people in properties for sale to leave lights on if they are going out and to ensure all doors and windows are locked.

Last week, police in Bedfordshire offered crime cutting advice to homeowners ahead of the expected winter crime boom.