Theft

Every year there are nearly 1 million burglaries reported to the police in England and Wales. The following guide will show you some simple measures that will help stop you from becoming another crime statistic.

Neighbourhood Watch

Get involved in, or help set up a neighbourhood watch scheme. Details are available from local police.

Windows

The majority of burglars enter the house through a window. Fit key-operated locks to any accessible windows, especially those on the ground floor and near flat roofs or drainpipes.

Doors

All outside doors should have deadlocks fitted. Unlike a standard cylinder lock, these locks insert a bolt into the frame of door, and can only be opened with a key. This means that a burglar will be unable to force the lock by using a plastic card, or break a glass panel and reach in to open it.

Doors that you usually lock from the inside - for example the back door - should additionally be fitted with bolts.

However, locks and bolts are only as strong as the door and the frame in which they are fitted. Make sure that the woodwork is in good condition, and replace it if it is at all rotten or weak.

Double doors should have security bolts with removable keys at the top and bottom of both doors, as well as a lock.

You will need to fit additional security to patio doors, to stop the sliding frame being lifted off the tracks. The sliding section of patio doors should always be fitted on the inside.

Outbuildings

Garages and sheds will often contain tools and items that a burglar can use to break into your house, so make sure that ladders and chained and padlocked, and outbuildings are securely locked.

Alarms

Before buying an alarm system, contact your insurance company for advice. Most companies will insist that the installation of alarms is carried out by companies registered with the National Approval Council for Security Systems.

Keys

Never leave keys in a lock; always remove them and take them with you. Thieves are aware of all the so-called "secret" hiding places that people use, so never leave them outside where they will be found. You can leave a spare key with a trusted neighbour for emergencies.

Leaving the House

A burglar can enter your home and be out again within two minutes, so always shut and lock all windows and doors, no matter how long you will be away for.

Callers

Before opening your door to any caller, make sure you know who they are. A door chain or door viewer will help you see who is there without fully opening the door. If they claim to be an official, ask to see their identity card and telephone their office to confirm their identity - don't be fooled by a uniform.

If in any doubt, do not let them into your home.

Holidays

If you're going away, make sure you don't advertise the fact. Cancel the newspapers and milk, and ask a trusted neighbour to take in any packages and remove post from your letterbox.

Invest in some timer switches, and set your lights to turn on and off on at different times throughout the day.

List Your Possessions

Make a list of all your valuable items, along with their serial numbers and a short description. Take a video or photographs of precious items such as jewellery and art, and keep them with your policy.

Mark Your Property

Mark your valuables with a property marking kit, using your postcode and the number of your house. If your items are ever recovered by the police, they will be able to return them to you.

Safes

If you have many valuable items, you may want the added security of a safe. Contact your insurance company or Crime Prevention Officer, as they will be able to advise you of the type most suited to your needs.