58% of burglaries take place in the evening or night and 34% occur at the weekend
- Always lock the door and close the windows when you go out, even if you’ll only be out for a short time
- All external doors should have 3 locking points. Mortice locks will add considerable strength to your door
- Window locks can help to stop people getting in, especially in older windows and windows without double glazing
- Use deadlocks where possible
- Patio doors should have special locks fitted to the top and bottom
- Keep all spare keys to sheds and garages secure and out of sight. Never leave keys in locks even when the doors or windows maybe locked
- Always close blinds or draw curtains at night and make sure valuable items cannot be easily seen from outside
- If you are going on holiday don’t let strangers know that your house will be empty e.g. taxi drivers who come to collect you
- Use timers for lights if you will be out of the house overnight. They create the impression that someone is at home. If you will be away from home for a while, get a family member or friend to remove post from the door mat and/or letterbox. Don’t leave messages on the door for deliveries
- Install a burglar alarm and external lighting. Grow thorny shrubs such as pyracantha along fences and walls
- Mark belongings with a property-marking product
