Household and Property
- When you go out, always lock the door and close the windows - even if you are just going out for a short time.
- Window locks, especially on older windows, will help stop people getting in.· If you have deadlocks, use them. They make it harder for a thief to get out again. But don't leave the key near the door, or in an obvious place.
- Don't leave spare keys outside, or in a garage or shed, and put car keys or garage keys out of sight in the house.
- Visible burglar alarms, good lighting, and carefully directed and limited security lighting can act as deterrents. But make sure that lights don't disturb your neighbours, and that alarms turn off after 20 minutes.
- Fitting a 'spy hole' allows you to see who is at the door. Having a door chain means you can open the door a little way to talk to them.
Vehicles
- Lock the doors and close the windows when you leave the car – for any length of time.
- Don't leave anything on display – even a jacket can seem like an appealing target for a thief.
- Never store your car's documents in the car.
- Have the vehicle marked with its vehicle identification number (VIN).
- Keep your car keys in a safe place, even in your house, so that someone breaking in cannot steal your car too.
