Home security tips

Published 15th Jul 2006

Some burglars are looking for your car keys so they can steal your car. Make it hard for thieves. Don't leave car keys near a door or window.

Visible burglar alarms and good outside lighting put burglars off. But make sure that your security lights don't disturb your neighbours, and that your alarm turns off after 20 minutes at the most (if it goes off when you're not there).

Getting insurance is cheaper than paying out a small fortune to replace your stolen belongings. At least get cover for your most valuable possessions such as your computer, TV and jewellery. Remember: if you don't lock your house, your insurance may not cover you.

Mark important and expensive possessions (such as your computer or DVD player) with your postcode and house number using special security markers. Keep a record of the make, model and serial numbers of all your electrical equipment for reference too. If the police recover them after a burglary, this record will be proof that they are stolen goods – and that they are yours.

Keep Crime Down

Burglary, robbery, and vehicle crime are often spur-of-the-moment' actions, often taking advantage of an open window or valuables left on display.

Most of the steps suggested in the following pages are common sense and don't cost much, but they can make a real difference. Basics like shutting windows and locking car doors even when you are only gone for a minute, or keeping your eye on your bag, can be all that it takes to prevent crime. Not securing your home, car and belongings just isn't worth the cost and hassle - so keep it safe, keep it hidden, keep it locked.

Source: ' http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/crime/burglary/preventionadvice/ '

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