WHAT would you do if you spotted someone trying to open your neighbour’s door or peer in your front window?

If you lived in Wood Farm, apparently nothing, according to police.

When plain clothes officers prowled around the Oxford estate after dark trying car doors, front doors and windows, not one resident called 999.

The officers hoped the public might spot them peering over fences and rattling window latches but not one person reported the suspicious visitors.

Police said the community was too quick to rely on other people to report suspicious activity and called on residents to step up security.

Sergeant Natasha Park came up with the idea for the unusual operation after 11 burglaries were reported between October 1, 2009, and February 28, 2010.

In the same period the following year, the number fell to four.

Sgt Park, of the Wood Farm neighbourhood team, said: “We were looking at properties that were insecure, with open ground floor windows, insecure back gardens and tools and equipment lying around that could help people break in, as well as valuables on display.

“We were looking at the roads through the eyes of a burglar to see if we could have broken in.

“If we found something we knocked on the door and spoke to the homeowner or put a card through the door.

“No one called in and we would have looked suspicious. We were in dark clothes and hats. I think people don’t want to get involved, they think someone else will call the police. If it’s not their house they’re not bothered, or they don’t notice.”

Last night people in Wood Farm said they weren’t surprised at the result of the operation.

Glen Oakes, 22, of Leiden Road, said: “It’s an interesting idea, I’ve never heard of anything like it before. If it makes people realise they’re leaving their house vulnerable it could work.

“I can see people may well leave it to someone else to call the police.”

Sgt Park said the eight officers, who carried out the operation from November and and into the New Year, were shocked at the poor security.

She added: “We found a lot of houses with front doors unlocked. Anyone could have walked in and taken car keys and hand bags, especially if people are in their houses with the television on loud.

“We didn’t find any car doors open, but we found lots of people with tools lying around and insecure bikes.”

Sgt Park said: “If you think you might be vulnerable then do something about it. People need to take more care and protect themselves from being victims of crime.”

Pensioner Pete Bonney, of Nuffield Road, said: “It could be scary for some people if they see people acting suspicious.

“But maybe they weren’t acting suspicious enough.”