The Suncoast is starting to enjoy cooler weather overnight which means many residents will sleep with their windows open. Since an open window can be an open invitation for burglars, the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office has crime prevention tips to help keep citizens safe.

Be sure the windows you choose to leave open won’t allow someone to reach inside and unlock a nearby door.

Secondary locking devices allow you to leave windows open enough for ventilation but block them from being opened any wider. These can be purchased at home improvement stores. The cost is minimal but the benefits are tremendous.

While track locks are strongly recommended, inexpensive wooden dowels can block horizontal sliding windows from opening too far, and pins inserted through the frame of vertical sliding windows and doors can also keep them in place.

Should your home be outfitted with an alarm system, consider the installation of “wired screens” that enable you to protect those window openings and detect intruders.

Finally, whenever you leave the house, close and lock all possible entry points.