Motion sensor lighting
These systems automatically switch on if they sense movement, alerting you to any activity near your home at night and scare off any potential intruders.
Use curtains or blinds
Remember the old saying 'out of sight, out of mind'? If a potential burglar can see a smart TV or the latest computers and laptops inside your home, it makes your home more attractive to break in to. Use curtains and blinds to conceal valuable items from view.
Be careful with your keys
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Avoid leaving spare keys in obvious or easy-to-reach places - such as under your doormat or a plant pot!
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Never label house keys with your name or address (this should be a no brainer, but you never know!).
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If you must leave a spare key, consider using a locked box with an unique access code just for house members.
Get to know your neighbours
If you know the people who live around you, they are more likely to spring into action if they see suspicious behaviour around your home. If you are going away, ask your neighbours (or a friend) to empty your mailbox, and put out and bring in your kerbside rubbish bins. An overflowing mailbox and your bins out for a week are signs that no one is home!
Safe
Consider installing a hidden safe in your home to store your most valuable items, such as jewellery.
Install extra locks
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Window locks - locks for windows (the clue's in the name!)
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Barrel bolts - a sliding bolt which goes on the inside of the door.
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Chain locks - these lock the door to the frame by a connecting chain.
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Deadlocks - secure locks that can only be opened by rotating the key.
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Smart locks - electronic locks which offer features like auto-locking or code locks.
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Padlocks - use these on side gates and garden sheds to make it harder for burglars to gain access to your property.
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And always remember to lock all windows and doors before you go to bed or leave the house.
