Police statistics for the 12 months to the end of May show there were 366 home burglary offences in the North, up from 305 in the previous reporting period.

The three-year average is 364 burglaries.

Launceston Inspector Michael Johnston said people leaving their homes unsecured was certainly a factor.

"But there are other factors at play as well," Inspector Johnston said.

"There are more offenders out on bail and I suppose there are more people out there committing crime at the moment for a range of reasons not directly related to policing - higher unemployment, tighter economic circumstances."

Inspector Johnston said some burglaries were planned while others were opportunistic.

"Cash and easily disposable items are certainly attractive," he said.

"But there are still many burglaries where bigger items go."

Hobart Inspector David Plumpton said police believed that burglars were also taking keys from homes in affluent areas and stealing expensive cars, which were late-model or brand new.

Inspector Michael Johnston's home safety advice:

•- Mark your property for identification.

•- Ensure your doors and windows have working locks.

•- Keep gardens maintained to reduce hiding places for offenders.

•- Install an alarm system.

•- Do not publicise through social media that you are going away on holiday.

•- If you are going away, get someone to collect your mail and newspapers.

•- Be vigilant and report suspicious activity to police.