Try to make doors and windows as secure as possible by using the following security precautions:

• Always leave a spare key with a neighbour rather than try to hide it under a flowerpot or a doormat, as these are the first places that thieves will look. For the same reason don't be tempted to hang a spare key inside the letterbox.
  
  
• Lighting both inside and outside the house can act as a huge deterrent to thieves. Using a timer can give the impression that there is someone in even if the house is empty and exterior security lights which are activated by motion sensors can prove to be very off-putting to burglars.
  
  
• Taking basic precautions such as remembering to close all windows and locking back doors before leaving the house are incredibly important as thieves will take any opportunity left available to them.
  
  
• Replace any weak or damaged glass window panels on or around a door with sturdier laminate glass versions.
  
  
• Hinge bolts can be a relatively inexpensive solution to strengthening a vulnerable door.
  
  
• Fit bolts to all exterior doors.
  
  
• Remember to fit appropriate locks to the top and bottom of patio doors if they don't already have a multi locking system.
  
  
• If living in a flat or an apartment never open the main entrance door to strangers or hold it open for people who appear to be entering just as you are leaving.
  
  
• Side passageways can be made more secure by inserting a high lockable gate to prevent thieves entering the house through the back garden.
  
  
• Gravel is another cheap security measure. The crunching noise it makes can make it very difficult for thieves to sneak around the sides of the house.
  
  
• Although seemingly secure, solid wooden fences around a garden can prove to be very easy to scale and are an appealing opportunity for a passing burglar to climb without being seen or making a noise. Better alternatives are options such as attaching weak trellising to the top of your fence or replacing any wooden fences with wrought iron gates.
  
  
• An attractive and effective way to prevent thieves is to use different plants and trees as barriers. Thick, spiky hedges or a climbing rose around a wrought iron gate can be all the protection needed outside.
  
  
• Garden tools and implements are popular targets for thieves and are often worth considerable quantities of money. Therefore try and avoid leaving lawnmowers and hedge clippers outside when not in use, instead lock them inside the shed or chain them to a ground anchor.
  
  
• Consider filling garden furniture with gravel to make it difficult to carry away.
  It is worthwhile being extra careful when moving house, as this is one of those stressful times that could only be made worse by becoming the victim of a burglary. Precautions such as only allowing people to view your home if they've made an appointment with the estate agent and keeping all house and van doors locked whenever possible during the move.
  
  
• If you are leaving your home unoccupied for lengthy periods of time it might be worthwhile using the Royal Mail's "Keep Safe" service, canceling all milk and newspaper deliveries and setting the light timers.
  
  
• Beware of bogus callers who can use guises such as desperately needing to use a phone or a bathroom. This is when viewfinders and door chains can be very helpful as you can see the caller without having to open the door fully.
  
  
• It's best to keep your front and back doors locked even when at home.
  
  
• Have the back door locked when answering the front door to a strange caller for they might have an accomplice who'll try to sneak in whilst you're being distracted.
  
  
• If you think that a bogus caller has visited take notes of their description and inform the police and the occupants of the street.