1 Lock up when you leave your house regardless of if you are going to be away only for a short period of time.
2 Keep your shutters and curtains closed. It will prevent burglars from looking inside your home.
3 Do not open the door before you see who the visitor is.
4 Fit a door chain and door viewer [spy hole]. Fit strong locks to external doors and windows. Windows could be fitted with extra security systems. Often the locks fitted by your developer can be easy to break - upgrade them. If you buy a house, change the locks as you do not know who has a set of keys.
5 Never give your house keys to cleaners or other persons.
6 Never leave a spare key in a hiding place such as under the doormat or in/under a flowerpot.
7 Always remove keys from door locks.
8 Do not leave your house keys in the car when you take it for washing, repairing or servicing.
9 Install security lighting.
10 Fit an alarm security system using a licensed alarm installer.
11 When you are out in the evening, leave your lights on. You may wish to instal a timer switch or use timer plugs around the house.
12 Do not let anyone know of any valuables you keep at home.
13 Do not keep large amounts of money at home.
14 Valuables are best kept in safe boxes or bank safety deposit boxes. Keeping photos of your valuables might be useful in case items are stolen.
15 If you live in a block of flats, make sure the common entrance is kept locked. Fit a compact door and a safety lock.
16 Try to get to know your neighbours and make sure you build a relationship of trust and mutual support with them. If you are going to be away let your neighbours know so they can be alert to any suspicious behaviour or vehicles in the area.
17 If you realise that someone has broken into your house, call the police immediately and wait outside, at a safe distance.
18 When you are out, forward your calls to your cell phone or to the phone of someone you trust. Avoid leaving messages on the voice machine announcing that you are not at home.
19 Keep your tools and ladders securely locked up.
20 Arrange for someone to water plants when you are away - dying or dead plants are a giveaway. Also do not leave, eg, Christmas decorations in place after the Christmas holidays.
Remember burglars prefer easy targets. Make your home a difficult target for burglars - reduce your risk of being burgled.
Let the Police know of anything suspicious that comes to your attention. Call 112 or 199.
