RESIDENTS whose homes have high-value vehicles parked outside have been asked to take more safety precautions – after police revealed so-called ‘two-in-one’ burglaries hit their height when the darker nights draw in.

Previous figures for between the clocks going back – and March traditionally rocket almost 90 per cent with regards to two-in-ones, a term used when burglars gain entry to a home with the sole purpose of obtaining a car’s key.

‘Operation Dark Nights’ has been resumed by South Yorkshire Police in a bid to heighten awareness to avoid a repeat of recent years’ spikes.

Chief Superintendent Peter Thorp, who is the force lead for neighbourhood crime, said: “We know that the darker nights period brings an increase in two-in-one and residential burglaries, as criminals look for easy opportunities under the cover of night, where they can slip away without being noticed.

“Our officers continue to work hard to ensure criminals don’t take advantage of these easy opportunities and take away belongings that you would have worked hard for.

“We have a number of dedicated operations across the force currently ongoing, and that will be continuing as we head into Halloween and then the festive period.

“These include dedicated increased patrols in areas that have been identified to see higher rates of burglary or vehicle thefts and specialist teams, who look at repeat offenders and patterns they tend to follow, ensuring they get they get them but behind bars.

“The more you do to make it harder for a criminal, the lower the chance of becoming a victim.

“We know that being burgled or having personal belongings stolen has a lasting negative impact on people, so we want to help share advice on what everyone can do to become less of a target to thieves.

“To tackle neighbourhood crime we are identifying trends on how criminals commit neighbourhood crime-related offences and are developing problem oriented policing plans on how we can tackle these rising trends.

“We have found that home CCTV monitoring doorbell systems act as a good deterrent as offenders will sometimes leave the premises upon seeing these.

“Please be assured that neighbourhood crime is a priority to the force and we will work tireless to get these criminals behind bars.”

Audi, Ford and Vauxhall and Volkswagen have been the most-hit marques in recent years, officers said, and prevention advice has been given as the shorter days also see a rise in shed thefts and opportunistic strikes.

A police statement added: “We are asking our communities to take some simple measures to help ensure you become less of a target to these criminals.

“Getting into an ‘exit routine’ can help ensure that you don’t forget obvious things like not leaving your valuables near windows or ensuring any spare car keys are locked in a secure place.

“Before leaving your home, we recommend that you close and lock any windows, double lock any door, use and set a light timer switch if you’re not going to be home before it’s dark, and ensuring any side gates and outbuildings, like sheds and garages, are locked and secure when not in use.

“When you are out and about, you can also take precautions to keeping your personally belongings safe, including keeping your bag, wallet and purse on your person at all times, storing your mobile phone in your closed bag, not your back pocket, and being aware of your surroundings when you are using an ATM cash machine.”