LAST month saw the second highest number of burglaries across Oxfordshire for the past three years according to figures obtained by the Oxford Mail.

Answering a Freedom of Information request, Thames Valley Police said that in November there were 361 reports of break-ins across the county.

The only other month since December 2014 to see more reports of burglaries to police was in June this year, which experienced a peak of 373 reports.

December 2016 saw 281 burglaries while in December 2015 there were 226, and December 2014 206 burglaries.

Thames Valley Police said that householders had a number of options to help cut the risk of burglaries.

The force said: “You can greatly reduce your risk of burglary by taking a few simple security measures to help make your property less attractive to thieves.

“Most burglars are opportunists and target homes and businesses that offer the least risk of being caught.”

Advice to keep your home secure include:

-Keep front and back doors locked, even when you’re at home

-Install a burglar alarm with a visible alarm box

-Fit a door chain and spyhole for extra security

-Keep all valuables and keys out of sight and out of reach of doors and windows

-Store high value items in a hidden safe

-Fit energy efficient security lighting

To report a burglary contact 101.