If you have a mobile phone, keep it by your bedside at night, it could prove invaluable even if you have an extension to your home phone there.

Ensure that your new glazing and doors have Security Tape Glazing and Hookbolts on all doors.

Always make sure that you have adequate home insurance and that payments are up to date.

Make it look as if someone is always there even when your home is empty and don't advertise your absence when away on holiday. Use a timer switch to turn lights on and off, cancel your milk and papers and make sure that some is available to keep an eye on your house for you.

Use a security marker to put your postcode on your property. This does help track down stolen goods.

You consider your home as your castle so you really should secure it as one, don't become a statistic, don't let it be violated, don't leave it to chance.

Do all you can to put thieves off, install exterior lighting, constant or the sensor type, thieves hate it and visible burglar alarm housings and sinage can make many opportunist burglars think twice

Restrict entry to the rear of your home by always fitting strong, lockable doors to side entrances and back gates.

Always lock your garage or garden shed securely and never leave ladders and valuable garden equipment out.