How to make your home more secure

According to the Police.uk website Homes with no security measures in place are five times more likely to be burgled than those with simple security measures. Good window locks and strong deadlocks can make a big difference.

A lot of the time, home break-ins occur due to opportunistic thieves and so you should try to reduce the risk as much as possible.
From installing outdoor lighting to upgrading your window and door locks, making changes inside and outside can save you money in the long run.

Here are a few tips:

• Lock your doors and windows every time you leave the house
• Hide all keys, including car keys, out of sight and away from the letterbox
• Install a visual burglar alarm
• Install good outside lighting
• Get a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on the property
• Make sure the fences around your house are in good condition
• Secure bikes at home by locking them to an immovable object inside a locked shed or garage
• Keep ladders and tools stored away: don't leave them outside where they could be used to break in to your home.
• Ensure side gates are locked to prevent access to the rear of your property
• Ensure rear fencing is in good repair 
• Improve natural surveillance at the front of your property, for example trimming any high hedges
• Mark your property with postcode and house number and register your property fro free wit immobilise
• Consider joining a Neighbourhood Watch scheme
• Remove valuables from view of ground floor windows