Household and Property

• When you go out, always lock the door and close the windows - even if you are just going out for a short time.
• Don't leave spare keys outside or in a garage of shed, and put car keys or garage keys out of sight in the house.
• Use timers for lights and radios if you need to be away from home overnight. They will create the impression that someone is in.
• Visible burglar alarms, good lighting and carefully directed security lighting can put burglars off. But make sure that lights don't disturb your neighbours and that alarms turn off after 20 minutes.
• Fitting a 'spy hole' allows you to see who is at the door.
• Having a door chain means you can open the door a little way to talk to them.
• Don't keep large amounts of cash in the house and hide your jewellery and valuables out of sight.
• Property marking can deter thieves - if it is marked in some way it will be more difficult for thieves to get rid of it.
• Make sure that any improvements you make don't stop you and your family from getting out of your house as quickly as possible if there is a fire.