Your valuables

Bogus callers

Not all burglars break in - some may try to trick you by pretending they want to come in on official business, perhaps from the gas or water company. They can be very believable, so make sure they are who they claim to be before letting them in.

• Think before you open the door. Use a chain, a spy hole or look out of the window. Or call through the door or letterbox.
• Ask who they are and what they want.
• Ask to see proof of identity, and check it carefully. If you're not convinced, phone the company and make sure they are who they say they are.
• Many utility companies now run password schemes where you choose a password that callers from the company use when they call on you. Contact them direct to find out about schemes like this.

Mark your valuables

Burglars hate marked property - and if items are stolen you stand a much better chance of getting them back.

Use your postcode followed by your house number or the first two letters of its name to identify each article. For example, if you live at 44 High Street E15 8BZ , use E15 8BZ 44. Phone 0345 111 222 if you don't know your postcode.

If you move house simply put an 'X' at both ends of your old code and mark again with your new code.

You can mark the code by:

• engraving or etching
• punching - where the number is stamped, e.g. on bikes
• using an ultraviolet marker pen - the code won't be visible to the eye but can be seen when a UV light is shone on it. Useful for TVs, videos, hi-fi's.

Keep a detailed record of valuables:

• detailed description
• make, model, colour and serial number
• receipts
• take a colour photograph of jewellery and other items of personal value.

Use a contrasting plain background and include a ruler to show the size. Keep these details in a safe place, with a relative or at your bank.

Get items valued

If you have items of special value, such as antiques, it's worth contacting a loss assessor or valuer to have them valued. Give these details to your insurance company and make sure you receive written confirmation that they are insured.

Check your insurance policy

Some insurance companies require you to lock away jewellery when you're not wearing it, for instance.