Simple security devices such as door and window locks, screws, padlocks, and gates act as a deterrent to burglars.  These simple measures help to slow a burglar down, a burglar delayed four or five minutes is enough time for them to give up and move on elsewhere.

All downstairs windows should have window locks fitted to them.  Remember to use them!  Any upstairs windows that can be accessed from things such as downpipes, garages or flat roofs should also have window locks on them.

Trim trees and shrubs near your doors and windows; this will increase surveillance.

Exterior sensor lights mounted out of reach can reduce the darkness burglars thrive in. 

Consider putting up net curtains to prevent the burglar from looking into your house.

Installing an alarm system is an excellent deterrent and may reduce the cost of your home insurance.

Exterior sensor lights mounted out of reach can reduce the darkness burglars thrive in.

Reconsider putting up very high wooden fences in your back garden, it’s true a high fence and shrubbery adds to your privacy but also allows burglars to creep around without being noticed.  Fencing that is about 1.8 metres high is a good height.

If you have gates at the side or back of your house, keep them locked with a good quality padlock. 

Garden sheds should be locked with a British Standard padlock or mortise deadlock, remember sheds often contain tools that will help the burglar to break in to your house.

A ladder lying around is an open invitation; keep them locked away out of sight.

Check the credentials and address of the alarm company before you reveal personal information. Ask the representative for proof of identity; if they are genuine they will be accustomed to this!

Is the company subject to an independent inspection and by which organisation?  Confirm this with the organisation.

Is having an alarm a requirement of your insurance? 

Is the company acceptable to your insurer?

Most insurance companies only recognise NACOSS approved alarm installers.

The representative from the alarm company should provide you with a list of rules for occupiers with alarms and written confirmation that the alarm and the company are currently acceptable to the local police.

It’s a good idea to get quotations from at least two companies.

Check that your quotation specifies that the installation will be to BS 4737 or BS 7042 (high security systems) or, if it is a wire free alarm, BS 6799 clause 6.  Ensure it includes any terms of maintenance and monitoring costs.

Find out if the company operates a 24-hour call out service and offer emergency attendance within four hours.

Be careful to get one that cuts out after 20 minutes, or you could be breaking the law!

The ideal front door security needs an automatic deadlocking rim lock together with a mortice deadlock to British Standard 3621 or the equivalent European Standard EN12209. The mortice lock should be at least a 5 lever mortice lock.

Ensure doors fit their frame securely and are in good, strong condition. Timber doors should have a solid core, be at least 44mm thick and comply with BS 8220. Doors made of other materials must have passed the British Board of Agreement (BBA) security test for doors.

Back doors should ideally be fitted with a five-lever mortise deadlock and a sashlock (latch), one a third from the top, one a third from the bottom.

Laminated glass should be used in all glazed areas. Wooden beading should be glued and fixed with security screws.

Front doors should have a viewer and door chain whenever possible.

Patio doors present a problem in that they are often targeted because they are easy to open.  Make sure your patio door is fitted with a multi locking system, it is best to fit extra locks. These are fitted on the bottom fixed frame pushing through to the sliding frame in the centre and on the side frame at the opening point no lower than a third of the way from the top of the door.

Some patio doors can be lifted off their track. If you can lift it more than ¼" (6 mm) simply screw wood blocks of a suitable depth into the channel above the opening door to prevent this. Alternatively, anti-lift devices are available from locksmiths.

Fit key-operated window locks to all downstairs windows, those which can’t be seen from the street and easily accessible upstairs window, eg. those above a flat roof or by a drainpipe.

Even small windows such as skylights or bathroom fanlights need locks – a thief can get through any gap larger than a human head.

Louvre windows are especially vulnerable because the slats can be removed easily from the frame. Glue the slats in place with an epoxy resin, and fit a special louvre lock. Better still replace them with fixed glass.

If you are replacing windows – consider laminated glass.

As a last resort, consider fitting security grilles to vulnerable windows – many DIY shops now sell decorative wrought iron grilles.

Never leave a spare key in a convenient hiding place such as under the doormat, in a flowerpot or behind a loose brick - thieves know all the usual hiding places.

If you move into a new home, change the front and back door locks immediately – other people may have keys that fit. Look in your phone book for the names of local locksmiths who are members of the Master Locksmiths’ Association.

Never leave your house or car keys in or near a door or window. Some thieves have been known to use a fishing rod or magnet on a stick to steal them through the letterbox.

Decide on a safe place for your keys and always use it, so you can find them in an emergency.

Increasingly, burglars are breaking in to steal the keys of high-value cars. So take care of your keys and, if you have a garage, keep your car in it rather than on the drive.