Types of crime Burglary

Homes with no security measures in place are five times more likely to be burgled than those with simple security measures. Good window locks and strong deadlocks can make a big difference. Find out about a few effective steps you can take to secure your home.

Top tips: things you can do to prevent burglary

Taking just a few steps can make a big difference in keeping your home safe from burglary.

Here are a few tips:

• lock your doors and windows every time you leave the house, even when you’re just out in the garden

• hide all keys, including car keys, out of sight

• install a visual burglar alarm

• install good outside lighting

• leave radios or lights in your house on a timer

• make sure the fences around your garden are in good condition

• store valuable items (including passports, driving licences and bank statements) out of view

• hide cash and wallets away

• secure bikes at home by locking them to an immoveable object inside a locked shed or garage

• keep ladders and tools stored away; don't leave them outside where they could be used to break into your home

More tips that can keep you safe

If you live in a building that has a shared entrance, be careful about ‘buzzing’ people in or holding the door open for strangers.

Never leave a spare key in a convenient hiding place, such as under a flowerpot or doormat, or behind a loose brick. Burglars know to look there. They will also check the garage or shed for spare keys to get into your flat or house.

Doors and windows

In most burglaries, the criminals broke into the house or flat through the door, either by forcing the lock or kicking it in. So make sure your doors are strong and secure. Consider fitting a bar for extra strength; a locksmith can advise you on how best to do it.

Glass panels on doors are particularly vulnerable. If you have one on your door you could replace it with laminated glass, which is stronger. You can also buy a film in a DIY store that you can stick over the glass to make it harder to break.

Home security and DIY shops sell inexpensive, key-operated locks to fit most kinds of windows. Fit window locks with keys to all downstairs windows and those upstairs that are easy to reach.

If you are fitting new doors or windows, make sure they are certified to British Standard BS7950 (for windows) or PAS 24-1 (for doors).

Beware of bogus callers

‘Distraction burglars’, known as bogus callers, will distract your attention in order to get into your home to steal your money or belongings.

If anyone you don’t know turns up at your door, you should always ask to see their identification before letting them in. Only let someone into your home when you are absolutely sure they are genuine.

Find out more by following the link below.

Join Neighbourhood Watch

You can help keep your street safer by getting involved with your local Neighbourhood Watch team.

By working with your neighbours to look out for each other’s property, you can make burglars’ work much harder.

Help and support if you've been burgled

If you've been burgled, you can get help and support from a number of different organisations.

Domestic violence

If you are thinking about leaving an abusive relationship, or have left, find out your rights and where you can get help. If you are worried about your safety, or the safety of your children, there are people who can help you stay safe.

What to do if you are a victim of domestic violence

You're not alone

Call the National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247

Domestic violence does not just mean that your partner is hitting you. The abuse can be psychological, physical, sexual or emotional.

Domestic violence can also include many things, such as the constant breaking of trust, psychological games, harassment and financial control. It is rarely a one-off incident and is usually a pattern of abuse and controlling behaviour.

It can affect adults in all types of relationships and can also involve violence between parents and children.

If you are in an abusive relationship, there are three important steps you must take:

• recognise that it is happening to you

• accept that you are not to blame

• get help and support

Lots of organisations can give you help and support, including Refuge and Women's Aid.