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Police have urged residents to close windows and doors - and "lock them even when you're in" - ahead of rising crime through the darker months.

West Midlands Police said extra precautions are key to keeping homes and vehicles safe during autumn and winter.

As the nights draw in, criminals "will use the cover of darkness to act", the force warned.

The force issued several tips and points of advice to residents as they predicted the usual "seasonal rise" in burglary and car crime across the region.

A spokesperson said: "As we near the end of summer, and head into darker nights, it's important to take extra precautions to keep your home and vehicle safe.

"We often see a seasonal rise in burglary and car crime across the West Midlands through the autumn and winter months. Cri

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