Unfortunately we seem to be going through a bit of a wave of this at the moment with at least four properties being broken into in the last week: on Butt Lane, Old School Lane, and Shirley Close (two in the Shirley Close, with an attempt being made on a third).
As you’ll be aware if you’re a milton-chat subscriber the suggestion seems to be that their modus operandii is to knock loudly on the door to see if anyone is at home, if there is they may have a leaflet offering landscaping services or they may just make off. If there isn’t they head around the back and find a way in.

So if you see anything like this going on that you’re suspicious of, either at your house or at a neighbour’s, then do report it to the police. If it’s happening at the time then dial 999. If it’s happened in the past then use 101.

Another thing which you can do is watch out for courier companies leaving packages on your neighbour’s doorstep. Again this is like a red flag saying “look, there’s no one in this house”. So be a good neighbour and either offer to take it in at the time or, if you didn’t see the courier, then just pick it up and catch your neighbour later.