Use what you have got to secure your home. Secure windows paying particular attention to those on the ground floor and those above flat roof areas. use those locks and bolts and make sure the  keys (house & vehicle) are out of sight.

Looks count, make your home appear occupied at all times. An unoccupied home is more likely to be targeted by the burglar. A light placed on a timer switch and a thoughtful neighbour removing a parcel from the step will help a home appear occupied. Perhaps a neighbour will park in the drive and even cut the lawn. Do not show your home address on luggage until you are en route home.

Spring is a good time to check up on your garden security

Click here

for basic security advice.

Also,

click here

on what to do if you

see something supicious.

Below are some good recommendations to follow:

Walk in burglaries will be on the increase during the summer months, security concerns are often 
abandoned in favour of sun screen, hat and
an hour or two at the bottom of the garden.

Do not be complacent, if you cannot see the
door or window it should be locked.

Reaching the parts of the home that cannot be viewed by caring neighbours leaves a weak spot. Tall, lockable gates, high fences and prickly plants will deter the intruder reaching the rear and sides of the property. Perimieters to the front, however, should be kept lower to enable good visibility from caring neighbours and police patrols.

Theft from unattennded motor vehicles such as handbags, wallets and laptops are just a sample of the items stolen from vehicles each year, sometimes hiddden, sometimes on show! Do not leave any valuables in an unattended vehicle.

Think about your parking spot:

i) Will caring adults be passing by?
ii) Will you be returning after dark?
iii) Will your parking spot still look as safe?

Cycles and costly sport gear are all left unattended in parks and shopping centres throughout the area.

Security mark them and lock them - do not loose them.

Be vigilent - car crime always rises in these locations in the summer months.