Good Security Habits

Even the best security equipment in the world is no good if you forget to use it. Be security-conscious at all times.

• If you lose your front door key, get the lock changed immediately.
• Move tempting portable valuables out of sight, and draw the curtains in any room containing valuable home entertainment equipment - the favourite target of every burglar.
• Don't leave spare keys hidden anywhere near the front door. Leave spare keys with a neighbour you can trust, but don't put your house name or number on the key tag.
• Lock and bolt side and back doors and remove the keys from the locks.
• Shut windows and doors at the front of the house when you are upstairs, in the back garden, or out of earshot.
• Close (and lock if you can) all windows including top ventilators when you go out.
• Check that gates are closed and bolted, that outbuildings are secure, and that ladders are under cover or chained up.
• Set the burglar alarm if you have one.
• Lock the front door and check that the lock is fully engaged. Make sure key-operated rim locks are deadlocked.
• Identify callers before opening your front door, using a door viewer or door chain, and always ask unknown callers to produce identification before letting them in. Don't let small children open the front door.
• Use a security marker to identify valuable items in the house with your postcode and house number (or the first two letters of its name), and photograph items you cannot mark.
• If you are going out in the evening, draw curtains and leave lights on and a radio playing, to give the impression that the house is occupied.