HEATWAVE WARNING Cops warn burglary rate is soaring as people leave windows open in heatwave

Criminals have been quick to cotton on and are sneaking into homes and offices to help themselves.

Burglars are making a killing thanks to health experts advising people to throw open their doors and windows because of the heatwave.

Crooks have been quick to cotton on in the hot conditions and are sneaking into homes and offices to help themselves, Thames Valley Police say.

Burglars are making a killing thanks to health experts advising people to throw open their doors and windows because of the heatwave.

Cops have reported a surge in raids where thieves treated the heat as an open invitation to line their pockets.

And in Oxfordshire there’s been a leap in house raids where entry was through an open window or door.

One case in Risinghurst saw thieves simply stroll in through an open door, walk into the living room and steal a handbag containing bank cards and cash.

A similar raid on a house in Sherwood Place, Barton, saw the theft of a purse and money.

Acting Inspector Neil Applegarth, who is in charge of neighbourhood policing for Oxford, said “The opportunist threat definitely increases in the summer and the threat of burglars taking advantage of unlocked or open door and windows also increases.

“Burglary is a horrific thing. For everybody who gets burgled it is just miserable.”

But he warned the criminals “Typically we’ve got a good idea who our burglars are because they’re often repeat offenders and they fit a certain demographic and lifestyle.

“They often specialise, in a criminal sense, in burglary. They often have a particular MO.

Cops say that no one is enjoying the heatwave more than burglars

They have reported a surge in raids where thieves treated the heat as an open invitation to line their pockets