Your home

A lot of burglaries can be prevented. Burglars like easy opportunities. They don't like locked windows because breaking glass attracts attention. They don't like security deadlocks on doors because they cannot open them, even from the inside. Simple precautions like these work.

First of all, you need to think like a burglar. How would you try to break in?

• check locks on ground floor doors and windows
• check locks on windows overlooking flat roofs or balconies
• check garage doors locks
• check shed doors and windows
• if you have recently moved in, find out who has the keys, and consider changing the locks or having them re-levered
• contact the installer of any alarm system, and ask them to check it over
• if you live in a flat or a maisonette, check the security of main communal entrances and skylights.

If there is no one in your home all day and your home is not overlooked, you'll need to take particular care.