U.K: Police in Coventry have been criticised for letting themselves into people's unlocked homes and tweeting photographs inside

A police officer stands inside one of the unlocked houses

One force's approach to burglary prevention sparks a backlash, with officers accused of "trespass" and "breaking and entering".

Police have been criticised for letting themselves into people's unlocked homes and tweeting photographs from inside.

The Coventry City Police team has been posting the images while on "burglary patrol" in the city "making sure life is not being made easy for thieves".

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Some of the images show houses with unlocked doors or windows, sometimes including street names, but other photographs are of officers standing inside the homes.

One photo is of an officer in a hallway with the caption: "PCSO Smith speaking to a resident off Holyhead Road about door left open."

Another tweet shows an officer inside the hallway of another home with the caption: "Another house left open, owner advised, that's 6 in half hour!! Stop making life easy for thieves."

Some of the images showed unlocked windows

One image of a security alarm inside a resident's house said: "Spotted this alarm, great addition to home security, but we were able to walk into its owners home through open door."

Another shows an officer inside a darkened home with the caption: "Three house doors in a row left open, victims waiting to happen!"

Dozens of people on social media have questioned their actions.

One user, Chris McKee, said it "seems a daft approach considering how someone could reasonably respond aggressively to the unwarranted intrusion".

Cov City Police responded to his tweet saying: "Thanks for your knowledgeable thoughts & wisdom, we will take on board your observations when the relevant situation arises."

Mr McKee added: "I'm not sure where you stand legally entering a private home without a warrant. Unlocked doors don't give permission."

User Quendergeer said: "Pretty sure "wandering in to make a point" would recieve a very dim view from the ipcc."

Ryan Brown tweeted: "It's not a crime to leave your door unlocked, you've entered without asking and now people know they leave they door unlocked."

The force said it had received positive feedback from local people

Shannon said it was "breaking and entering" and added: "It's not illegal to leave your door unlocked. In many places, it's abnormal to leave your door locked."

Sheanderthal said: "You can't just be walking into peoples homes. Its a complete invasion of privacy."

Niffy1a tweeted: "... if my dog attacks you as you trespass in my house ... don't blame me or him."

Situations when officers do not need a warrant to enter properties include: dealing with a breach of peace or preventing it; enforcing an arrest warrant; arresting a person or to save a life or prevent serious damage to property.

The Cov City Police team tweeted at the weekend: "Thanks all for the feedback on one of the burglary prevention tactics. We'll review based on feedback #socialmediasuccess?"

Chief Inspector Helen Kirkman said: "A significant proportion all burglaries in this area − in excess of 25% − are 'walk-in' offences committed by opportunists taking advantage of properties left unsecure.

"Neighbourhood police teams have been on patrol to deter such offences, look for suspects, and to offer crime prevention advice to residents.

"If they find a door or window left open I think people would want officers to check everything is OK at that address and not to just walk on by.

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"We have had very positive feedback from residents …they are grateful for officers pointing out what they've found and the advice they're offered.

"We encourage our police teams to be proactive and creative in their use of social media to engage with the public and get messages across.

"We haven't received any complaints from residents but obviously we will take on board social media comments."