Adopt Good Habits Simple day-to-day steps to a more secure home.

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Reducing crime isn't rocket science, just take precautions.

Ensuring that valuable items are not left in view, close to windows and doors, can reduce the likelihood of a break-in. Another step, which is surprisingly overlooked, is ensuring that doors and windows are locked when you go to bed or leave the house. See the following tips on how you and other members of your household can help secure your home.

• Lock all doors and windows before leaving the house or going to bed. It's easy to forget but it's the simplest way for a burglar to enter your home
• Always set the burglar alarm if you have one and ensure that the siren box is visible
• Never leave keys anywhere near the front door, including your letterbox
• Visibly and permanently marking belongings will help them to be identified if stolen. Markings can also make it difficult for the thief to dispose of the property
• Beware of bogus doorstep callers; use your spy hole and a door chain until you have seen their ID and are satisfied you want to let them in
• Never discuss your security requirements with a doorstep caller or salesperson
• Work with your neighbour's to keep an eye on each other's security, Neighbourhood Watch groups are good for this
• A home that looks empty is far more likely to be targeted by a burglar, so it's worth making sure your home looks occupied
• Do not close your curtains during the daytime; this can suggest your home is empty
• Use automatic timer-switches to turn on lights and perhaps a radio when it goes dark
• If you're away for longer periods of time, cancel any newspaper or milk deliveries
• A pile of post on the doormat is a clear sign that you are away. Ask a trusted neighbour to clear your post away, or use the KeepSafe service from Royal Mail
• A neighbour may also be able to help you by opening and closing curtains and even parking their car on your driveway
• Do not leave valuable items in view and close to a door or window
• Store valuable items in a safe whenever possible.

With much reporting in the press about euro cylinder vulnerability, it's important that you Know the Threats.

Did you know?

Over half of burglaries take place during daytime, without the cover of darkness.

The information in this page is based on advice provided by Secured by Design, the official UK Police initiative supporting effective crime prevention and security standards.

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