Police are set to switch sides to warn you about home safety... by posing as burglars.

Residents could be dragged from their beds as late as 2am by police checking their windows and doors are locked in a new tactic to slash burglaries across Macclesfield.

And if the robber-cops find a way in, they won’t hesitate to hammer on the door until they wake you up, whatever the hour.

Code-named ‘Operation Golden’,the new initiative will work between 4pm and 2am, and householders who fall foul of their checks will be told: "If we had been burglars, by now you would have lost cash, valuables such as a laptop or an iPod, sentimental items such as jewellery and possibly the car off your drive!"

Inspector Gareth Woods, heading up the operation in Macclesfield, admits some people will not be happy about the early-hour wake-up call.

"If we’re told to get lost then that’s a risk we take. It’s a difficult balance to strike," he said.

"The bottom line is officers get a mixed reception when doing anything like this, but I would say to any of my officers that if they see an insecure car or house to let the owner know no matter what time of day or night.

"Most reasonable people will say thanks for letting them know and are grateful.

He added: "Obviously we will be very discreet and won’t be trying every door in the town because that’s impossible. We will target areas where we have intelligence and know burglaries will be happening."

The operation, which will be rolled out across East Cheshire, is a response to the fact that nearly 40 per cent of all burglaries are enabled by unlocked doors or open windows. Officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) are also distributing thousands of door hanger cards which list security checks to be carried out before anyone leaves home.

Chief Inspector Peter Crowcroft, in charge of Neighbourhood Policing in Cheshire Police Eastern Area, said: "There are burglars who specialise in sneak-ins. They walk around streets, nipping in and out of gardens and trying doors until they find one unlocked.

"Most of them don’t care if anyone is in the house. Even if the family is in the next room watching television or eating, the criminal will walk into the kitchen or hallway, grab a bag, purse, or some other item of value and be out again in seconds.

"These burglaries can be avoided by locking the door. Operation Golden is about raising the profile of security at home and keeping people safe."