THE Westhill and Elrick area has seen a number of break-ins to homes in recent years.

Police Scotland are keen to encourage residents to take steps secure their properties, especially with the dark winter nights here.

The force also emphasised the importance of safeguarding not just buildings but vehicles

A spokesman said: “Householders should be ensuring that their property is locked especially at night as vehicle keys have been stolen by offenders sneaking into insecure houses whilst occupants slept.

“The usual individuals who commit these crimes are opportunists and enter unlocked premises.

“Due to the darker nights coming back the likelihood of car thieves are likely to increase.

“Members of the public are as always encouraged to contact police with any suspicious behaviour within the area.”

To check if your home might vulnerable, take the  hometest, courtesy PC Kevin Marron, Aberdeenshire’s Crime Reduction Officer.