The big Easter weekend getaway is looming Britain's homes are in prime time for burglars to strike.

Last year an estimated six million Britons planned an overnight stay during Easter, with an increase of burglaries in the West Midlands here are six rules that can help prevent you becoming a burglary victim while away on holiday.

Lock all doors and windows, this may seem obvious to most but leaving doors or windows open surprisingly happens often, it is an open invitation for burglars so always check before you head off on your break.

Avoid hiding an extra key, many people leave a spare key outside their home which security firm Ring said: “Is a bad habit and a major security risk.

“Your key is never hidden as well as you think it is and experienced burglars will know all the common hiding places.

“If you have arranged for a neighbour or friend to check your post whilst you’re away, lending them a spare key is a far safer alternative.”

Make it look like you are home, it is rare for burglars to strike if they think someone is home so leaving an environmentally friendly light on or having a neighbour come over and bustle about for a few minutes may lead them astray.

The West Midlands Police advise on having set timers to turn on lights or radios to make your home look lived in.

Visible security, merely having a visible alarm or a security sign on your home will keep the burglars at bay, also installing good automatic outside lighting will make it as hard as possible for a burglar to approach the property.

Get someone to move your post, if you are away for a few days a sure giveaway is your post sitting outside the door or in a porch, getting a neighbour to move it could avoid you being targeted.

Avoid telling the world about your empty house, you may love posting on social media about your holidays but doing this means you’re also broadcasting to the world that your house will be empty, either avoid doing it or have good security on your social media accounts.