Even the best security equipment in the world is no good if you forget to use it. Be security-conscious at all times.
- Close (and lock if you can) all windows including top ventilators when you go out. Shut windows and doors at the front of the house when you are upstairs, in the back garden, or out of earshot.
- Lock and bolt side and back doors and remove the keys from the locks.
- Check that gates are closed and bolted, that outbuildings are secure, and that ladders are under cover or chained up.
- Move tempting portable valuables out of sight, and draw the curtains in any room containing valuable home entertainment equipment - the favourite target of every burglar.
- Set the burglar alarm if you have one.
- Lock the front door and check that the lock is fully engaged. Make sure key-operated rim locks are deadlocked.
- Don't leave spare keys hidden anywhere near the front door. Leave spare keys with a neighbour you can trust, but don't put your house name or number on the key tag.
- If you lose your front door key, get the lock changed immediately.
- Identify callers before opening your front door, using a door viewer or door chain, and always ask unknown callers to produce identification before letting them in. Don't let small children open the front door.
- If you are going out in the evening, draw curtains and leave lights on and a radio playing, to give the impression that the house is occupied.
- Use a security marker to identify valuable items in the house with your postcode and house number (or the first two letters of its name), and photograph items you cannot mark.
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