Use the following guide to conduct your own Home Security Checklist. The more ‘yes’ boxes you can tick, the harder you make it for burglars:

• Are your trees and shrubs trimmed so it’s hard for burglars to hide behind?
• Do you have solid core doors?
• Do you have locks and deadbolts or deadlocks fitted?
• Do you have security screens on doors and windows?
• Does your door have a peephole?
• Do your windows have key-locks or security devices?
• Does your house have an automatic light timer or sensor lights?
• Are the entrances to your home well lit?
• Is your home fitted with an alarm?
• Are there fences and gates on your property to restrict access?
• Is the garage or shed kept locked?
• Are your tools and ladders stored away?
• Is the meter box locked?
• Are your contents and valuables engraved or marked for easy identification?
• Have you recorded the serial numbers?
• Do you have window stickers letting burglars know you have an alarm and your property is marked?
• Is there a phone or mobile in the bedroom with emergency numbers handy?
• Do you have a dog?
• Is your house number clearly visible from the street?
• Have you joined Neighbourhood Watch?

Going on holidays?

• Have you let your neighbours know? Provide them with dates and emergency contact details.
• Do your doors and windows lock securely?
• Have you arranged for mail to be held, redirected by your post office, or asked a neighbour to collect your mail for you?
• Are your deliveries such as newspapers cancelled?
• Have you asked a neighbour to bring your rubbish and recycling out on your regular bin night?
• Are your house keys left with a trusted friend or neighbour instead of concealed inside or outside the house?
• Do you have someone organised to cut your lawn and water your garden?
• Are your garden tools and ladders locked away?
• Have you turned down the ringing volume on your telephone?
• Consider asking your neighbours to park a second car in your driveway.