The NSPCC is urging parents in the West Midlands to talk to their children before leaving them home alone.
The charity says nearly 500 referrals were made in the region over safety concerns.
It recommends under-12s are never left alone and highlights a spike in summer cases.
The NSPCC stresses the importance of listening to children's worries and preparing them for what to do if something unexpected happens.
The Courtyard Announces First Wave of Headline Acts for The Amp
Major artists including Jools Holland, Alfie Boe, James Morrison, Elkie Brooks, Russell Howard and more confirmed for new 1,400-seat Big Top venue.
New banking hub opens in Leominster
A new banking hub has opened on Leominster’s high street after the town lost several bank branches.
Ellie Chowns blasts ‘ridiculous’ Starmer at PMQs
North Herefordshire Green MP Ellie Chowns has accused Sir Keir Starmer of “utterly ridiculous behaviour” after he took a swipe at her party’s defence policy during Prime Minister’s Questions.
Hereford car park charges to rise, along with free offer
Herefordshire Council’s car parks will give the public 30 minutes’ free parking across the county from April.
Senior figures clash on Hereford bypass which ‘won’t happen’
Hereford’s bypass plan is unlikely to get the millions needed in Government funding because the council is setting about it in the wrong way, a political leader in the county has claimed.
New takeaway plan for former bank
A national pizza chain plans to take on a prominent former bank building in the heart of a Herefordshire town.
Child serial killer Lucy Letby will face no further criminal charges
Child serial killer Lucy Letby will not face criminal charges in relation to further allegations of deaths and non-fatal collapses of babies.
35-home estate planned for town
Plans have been revealed to build up to 35 more houses next to a Herefordshire town.
Light rain
High: 8°C | Low: 4°C
Light rain
High: 8°C | Low: 4°C
Light rain
High: 8°C | Low: 4°C