A SENIOR detective is warning people to close their windows and doors after a spate of burglaries in the hot weather.

As temperatures soar to a projected 31C today (Wednesday) a senior detective is warning that people in Worcestershire may let in more than the fresh air if they leave doors and windows open.

DI Stu Murphy of Priority CID at West Mercia Police said the burglars in many cases are not having to break into people's homes but are walking in through open doors or climbing in through open windows.

Two car key burglaries took place in Eckington, near Pershore overnight on Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.

One involved a Ford Mondeo and the other a Tesla. Both cars have since been recovered by police, one in Cheltenham and the other in Overbury in the Worcestershire/Gloucestershire border.

DI Murphy said there had also been a burglary in Warndon in Worcester where a PlayStation was stolen and another in Stourport.

A woman was due to appear in Redditch Magistrates Court today (Wednesday) following two burglaries in Droitwich.

DI Murphy said: “People need to take a bit more responsibility for their own property.

"We’re experiencing really hot weather at the moment and it’s only natural that people will want to have their windows open to get in fresh air but, by opening the windows, you can be inviting in burglars who are opportunistic and will take the opportunity to get in your house and steal your property.”

He said that the burglaries could also involve items of high sentimental value such as heirlooms and jewellery which were impossible to replace and which may not ever be recovered.

He urged people with items of high personal value, either financial or sentimental, to take photographs of them and mark them SmartWater or ultraviolet pens.

Such measures make it much easier for police to return the items to their rightful owners.

DI Murphy said West Mercia was appealing for witnesses in the two Eckington car key burglaries. Those who have information about the burglary and theft of the Tesla can call 101, quoting reference 168s210617 and for the Mondeo they can quote 122s210617.