Robberies

Homes with no security measures in place are five times more likely to be robbed than those with simple security measures. Good window locks and strong deadlocks can make a big difference.
Taking just a few steps can make a big difference in keeping your home safe from robberies or breakins. Here are a few tips:

• Lock your doors and windows every time you leave the house, even when you're just out in the garden, remembering to double-lock doors (lift handle and turn key)
• Hide all keys, including car keys, out of sight and away from windows.
• Install a visual burglar alarm
• Install good outside lighting
• Get a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on your property
• Leave radios or lights in your house on a timer to make the property appear occupied
• Make sure the fences around your garden are in good condition
• Secure bikes at home by locking them to an immoveable object inside a locked shed or garage
• Keep ladders and tools stored away; don't leave them outside where they could be used to break into your home
• Ensure side gates are locked to prevent access to the rear of the property
• Ensure rear fencing is in good repair
• Improve natural surveillance at the front of your property i.e. trim high hedges
• Mark your property with your house number
• Consider joining or forming a neighbourhood watch
• Remove valuables from view of ground floor windows
• Store any high value items (i.e. jewellery, passports) in a properly secured safe or bank vault

Doors and windowsIn most breakins, the criminals broke into the house or flat through the door, either by forcing the lock or kicking it in. So make sure your doors are strong and secure. Consider fitting a bar for extra strength; a locksmith can advise you on how best to do it.
Glass panels on doors are particularly vulnerable. If you have one on your door you could replace it with laminated glass, which is stronger. You can also buy a film in a DIY store that you can stick over the glass to make it harder to break.
Home security and DIY shops sell inexpensive, key-operated locks to fit most kinds of windows. Fit window locks with keys to all downstairs windows and those upstairs that are easy to reach.
Distraction robberyIf you're not sure who is at your door, don't open it. Check the identity of the caller by calling the company they are claiming to be from i.e. electricity, water and police. Use the telephone numbers listed in your local directory or provided independently by your service provider - Do not use any telephone numbers provided by the caller - they may be bogus.
Going away on holidayMake your home look like someone is living in it:

• Use automatic timer-switches to turn your lights and radios on when it goes dark
• Cancel any newspaper deliveries
• Trusted neighbours may be able to help you by collecting your post, opening and closing curtains and they could park their car on your driveway
• Avoid discussing holiday plans on public social networking sites - robbers can use any information you post on there to their advantage