Dartmouth Police are advising residents to take precautions following a recent increase in housebreaks.

Detective Kyle Costa says residents should lock their doors and windows and activate alarm systems if they have one.

He also advises being cautious about what you post on social media sites.

"People are very willing to put out information that can come in handy to criminals too, such  as when they're going on vacation or when they're going away for the day," says Costa.

"We're strongly advising people never to put on any of the social media websites when their house is going to be unattended."

Costa says most break-ins occur during hours when people are at work.

He says they will be increasing patrols in residential area and says any suspicious activity should be reported to police.

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