Police have set up a dedicated burglary team as they prepare for a winter nights.

The police and Enfield Borough Council have issued a warning to homeowners to take precautions to avoid being burgled as the long nights draw in.

There will also be extra uniformed and plain clothes officers deployed to areas most affected by burglary.

Burglary crime is traditionally higher in the winter months than the summer and the council has called for people living in Enfield to set up their own Neighbourhood Watch teams.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Healy from Enfield Police said: “We are urging residents to review their home security to ensure that their property is not vulnerable and make it more difficult for burglars to gain access. Don’t become a victim of burglary.

“Residents are advised to call 999 is they see people acting suspiciously or hear loud banging that is out of place so officers can investigate their suspicions. It is better to call and be mistaken, than not to call at all. If it is less serious and does not require an immediate police response call 101.”

Enfield Council’s cabinet member for environment and community safety, Councillor Chris Bond, said: “Tackling burglary is a priority for Enfield Council, having your home broken into is a terrible experience and one which I would not wish on my worst enemy so it is great news that we are taking steps with the police to drive down this horrible crime.

“We all need to work together to drive down burglary and I’d urge residents to take notice of the advice they are given to help reduce them reduce their likelihood of becoming a victim of crime.”

There will be a meeting this evening at the civic centre, in Silver Street, from 6.30pm to 9pm where people will be provided with advice on how to set up and manage a Neighbourhood Watch scheme.