Home security

Physical barriers around the outside of the grounds of your property or garden define the boundaries of your home and provide a deterrent to criminals.

These barriers may occur naturally, with trees or bushes, and can be supplemented with ditches, fences, gates, walls or railings. Locked gates can provide an extra deterrent.

Gravel drives and paths create noise if cars are driven over them or people walk on them. These can deter thieves and will also alert you to possible intruders near your home.

Keep bins, ladders and other tools locked up or out of sight if possible as these can be used by burglars to help them break in.

Installing outdoor security lights can be a good way to deter potential intruders. These are passive infra-red sensing security lights which are activated by movement, so switch on when somebody approaches your home.

You could consider investing in a CCTV system, as well as an intercom system, but you must make sure it is working and can't be easily disconnected by would-be burglars.

To ensure your home is well protected, make sure there are insurance-approved locks on the windows and doors. Insurers recommend BS3621:2004 security locks.

Any ground floor or easily accessible upper floor windows or skylights, including those next to drainpipes, fire exits or flat roofs, should be fitted with key operated window locks.

Also fit high security heavy-duty padlocks to garages and outbuildings.

It's worth investing in a decent security alarm. Insurers recommend systems accredited by UKAS and when having alarm systems fitted use a certified installer from NSI or SSAIB. Alarm companies will install a box on the outside of your home to indicate that you have an alarm.

Thieves often escape conviction because police are unable to identify the true owners of suspected stolen property found in their possession.

In some cases, thieves will also remove serial numbers from identifiable property - or deliberately steal items that cannot be identified.

Marking all of your belongings will help to identify them in the event of a theft; you could also consider etching your postcode onto possessions.

Tracking devices can also be very effective when installed on your laptop.

A product such as SmartWater can be an effective way of marking valuable possessions, as criminals will struggle to erase this and find it difficult to sell on possessions marked in this way.

SmartWater is a water-based solution that provides a "forensic fingerprint." The components of the solution are recorded by SmartWater and held on a database.

When subjected to a standard ultra-violet light, SmartWater can be recognised by a tell-tale fluorescent glow. To apply SmartWater, you simply paint it onto your chosen item of property.

Almost anything can be marked with SmartWater, including TVs, computers, gaming equipment art and antiques; it will not damage you or your property.

Remove any keys from doors and keep them out of sight, as thieves have been known to steal keys through the letterbox.

Also avoid leaving spare keys outside in common places such as under a doormat or in a flowerpot. If you have spare keys, leave these with family, friends or neighbours.

By joining a Neighbourhood Watch scheme, you have extra peace of mind from knowing that your neighbours are keeping a look out for suspicious activity in the area and will report it.

If there is no scheme in your area, contact the police about getting one set up and tell your insurer as you could get a discount on your premium for belonging to a Neighbourhood Watch scheme.

If you are out for the evening, make sure you shut your curtains and give the impression that someone's home by leaving lights on.

Remember to cancel the papers and any other deliveries while you're away, and get a neighbour to keep a close eye on your home.

This could involve them putting lights on, shutting the curtains, and removing post and other deliveries from view. If you have pets or live in an isolated property, you may want to get a professional house-sitter in to look after your home.

If someone calls at your house and you don't know them, ask to see an ID card. If in doubt, close the door and call the number on the back of the card to confirm the person is who they say they are. Do not let anyone in unless you are confident of their identity.

Those living alone should think about fitting a strong security chain, so that you can check someone's ID before opening the door fully or have an intercom to question them beforehand.

Keep an eye out for rogue doorstep traders - especially during the summer when doorstep crime increases.

Typically, rogue traders may knock on the door offering to tarmac the drive or repair loose roof tiles in return for a small fee. Treat cold callers with suspicion. In some cases, the work is unnecessary and could be substandard.

Think carefully before agreeing to have any work done straight away, and avoid handing over cash upfront. Always ask for ID, and if in doubt, contact the police.

If you're considering home maintenance or home improvement projects, ask friends and neighbours for recommendations or look for traders who belong to trade associations approved by the government-endorsed Trustmark scheme.

Check whether your caravan has the vehicle identification number stamped onto the vehicle chassis and etched into the windows. If not, get your chassis number or postcode etched onto the windows.

Remember to keep a note of these numbers at home, along with a photo of your caravan.