HOMEOWNERS are being urged to step into the light, as the dark nights draw in, and combat preying burglars.

Unlit houses and darkened gardens help make autumn an ideal hunting time for crooks looking for an easy target but Halton Police have tips to make your home look lived-in.

"On Sunday, October 30 the clocks go back an hour and more light is lost," says crime reduction advisor Phil Buckley. "But there are some easy ways to start considering now to make life harder for the burglar."

l Buy timers for lights, lamps and even radios around the home to make your house look occupied on dull days and during the evening when you might be out

l Install low wattage, dusk-tilldawn bulbs on outside lights to provide constant light

l Alarm and padlock sheds and garages, and hide away expensive tools, especially ladders which thieves can use

l Lock external doors and windows when you go upstairs or into the garden

l Keep valuables out of sight from windows and out of reach from letterboxes and doors

l Erect sturdy fencing or walls around the rear of your home and grow thorny hedges up them

l Spread gravel on path to front door and underneath windows

And finally, be a good neighbour - keep an eye on each other's property and report anything suspicious to the police.

Phil adds: "Let's make the burglar redundant. Don't be the next victim of crime."