Having a Burglar Alarm fitted is well worth the investment, because not only does it raise an alarm should your home security be breached, but it also acts as a deterrent. Thieves are much more likely to bypass an alarmed house in favour of one that’s unprotected. Should a break in occur, you can be alerted via our Burglar Alarm App.

Even if you have a secure gate, there may be other ways that someone could gain access to your garden; ensure you have good locks fitted on your shed, workshop, summer house or garage too. Not only are you likely to be storing valuables in them (golf clubs, fishing tackle, camping gear, electric tools etc). There may also be equipment in there that could help them break into your home.

Not all door locks are created equal; as is often the case, you get what you pay for. So don’t be tempted by cheap locks just because you’re trying to save a bit of cash. If you are having new locks fitted, always make sure they conform to British Standards; look out for an imprint on the locks that show the number BS3621. It’s not just about staying secure at home either; insurance companies may refuse to settle a claim if you don’t have the right locks fitted. Check your existing locks and have new BS ones fitted if they don’t comply.

If you leave your house and car keys near your door, it’s time for a rethink. A quick glimpse through the letterbox or nearby window can be enough to tempt a thief; it’s important to note that they often come equipped with tools that will help them reach in and grab your keys. Car thefts are often a result of a thief being able to access keys from outside; so don’t assume that just because they’re inside and the door is locked that they’re safe. This also goes for keys left in a ‘safe place’ outside, no place outside is safe to keep a spare key, so make alternative arrangements; such as asking a neighbour or nearby friend to keep hold of it for you; rather than popping it under a plant pot or bin.

If you’re leaving your home unoccupied for more than a day. See if you can find a house-sitter, or at least someone who’ll come over at least once a day to open/close curtains, switch lights on and off, and move any post that’s lying around by the front door.

A basic home CCTV System may not cost as much as you think, and a good security expert will be able to choose the best locations to site your cameras to ensure maximum coverage for minimum outlay. That personal ‘eye in the sky’ sends a clear message: smile, you’re on camera!

Well placed security lights will soon have a burglar running for the hills when triggered. Choose outdoor lights fitted with a good-range motion sensor; place them by vulnerable access points such as backs doors and windows that aren’t overlooked by other properties. It’s also worth fitting timer switches on internal lights and even your TV when you’re out or away on holiday.

Let’s face it, there’s no point having good locking systems in place if you don’t use them! It can be easy to pop out for a brief period and think your house will be safe; but it only takes minutes for a thief to gain access and grab a few valuables. Always make sure you lock your doors properly, and your windows too! Check all entry points before you leave the house; especially in hot weather when you may have left windows or patio doors open to let fresh air circulate.

Depending on the type of property you own, you could consider getting electric gates installed, including some access control if needed. If you live in an area that has high rates of house burglaries, you might want to think about getting security grilles installed on your doors and windows too.

With so much information whizzing around online; you need to stop and think before posting updates on your social media accounts. Unless your account is ‘locked down’ from public view and you completely trust all your contacts; don’t advertise new, expensive purchases or holiday/travel dates online. It’s also worth taking any location tags off your posts so people can’t see when you’re away from home.