Protect your home

Windows
Most burglars get in through windows so pay close attention here. Key operated locks should be fitted to all accessible windows - those on the ground floor, or in flats those with outside walkways and those near drainpipes and flat roofs. These locks are inexpensive to buy and can usually be fitted by the typical householder.

Timers
A simple but very effective measure when looking to protect your home is the small investment of installing plug-in timers that can be set up to turn lights, radios and TV sets on and off, either randomly or at regular intervals -giving the impression that your home is occupied when it's empty.

Callers
Check the identity of all callers. Fit a spy hole or door chain which will help you see who is at the door without opening it fully. Before opening your door fully, ask to see their identity card if they claim to be officials. Don't be fooled by a uniform. Telephone their office using a number in the phone book if in any doubt.

Going Out
A burglar can be in and out of your home in two minutes. So always shut and lock all windows - however short a time you are going to be away. One of the growing areas of crime is in garden crime so don't forget garages and sheds - they contain valuable items and tools useful to a burglar. Chain and padlock ladders, or keep them in locked sheds or garages.

Holidays
Don't leave signs up that indicate that you are away. Cancel the milk and newspapers. Ask a neighbour or friend to keep an eye on your home, taking in any packages and making sure all mail is properly pushed through your letterbox and perhaps opening and closing curtains.

Property Marking
List your valuable items with serial numbers and a short description. Take photographs or videos of items such as jewellery and keep them with your policy. You will have a better chance of getting your property back after a burglary. It will also help with the completion of any insurance claims. Use a property marking kit by putting your postcode and the number of your house on all appropriate items. This will help the police to return your property to you. Your local Crime Prevention Officer will advise you.

Alarms
Many insurance companies insist that the installation of alarms is carried out by companies registered with the National Approval Council for Security Systems (Queensgate House, 14 Cookham Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 8AJ). So check with your insurance company before installing an alarm. Most alarms only warn that someone has already broken in. Your first priority is to stop them getting in at all.

And finally
Make sure that you are properly insured if the worst happens. And beware - if you are underinsured you insurance company may scale down the size of your payout. For example, if the contents of your house are worth £30,000 but you have only insured them for £20,000 you might only receive two-thirds of what you claim for.

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