Security starts at home

Here are some home security tips to help you stay safe and sound - after all, prevention (in the form of good old-fashioned home security advice) is the best type of insurance we know.

• Always lock the door and close the windows when you go out, even if it’s only for a short time
• All your external doors should ideally have 3 locking points. Mortice locks are a useful deterrent to would-be burglars (available from any DIY store)
• Window locks are another good deterrent.
• Never ever leave spare keys outside
• Always keep your car and house keys hidden from plain sight when they’re in the house too
• Don’t leave window and door keys in their locks
• Always draw your curtains at night so people can’t see your valuables from the street
• If you’re away – even for the night - use timers on lights to make it look like someone’s in
• Visible burglar alarms, security lights and good overall lighting are useful in deterring unwelcome attention
• Gravel is a very cheap security measure. The crunching noise makes it very difficult for thieves to sneak quietly around outside your house