Always buy the best level of security you can
afford, this level of security is strongly recommended by the Police and
Insurance Companies.
Never leave the key in or near the lock, or
where it might easily be seen by a thief.
If in doubt, ask for advice, either from your
locksmith or from the Crime Prevention Officer at your local police station.
Property marking pens are available allowing
you to secretly mark your property with your name and zip code.
If you are going away, cancel the papers, the
milk and the mail - well in advance. Tell your local police station you are
away too. In addition, ask a friend or good neighbor to regularly check your
house and remove any mail or free newspapers that may be accumulating.
Use time switches for lights to come on during
the evening while you are away.
If you have a telephone answering machine, do
not leave a message saying you're away.
Always ask to see the identity of someone
claiming to be from the gas, electricity, water, telephone etc. A genuine
person will be pleased you asked and will pass you their card. Look
carefully before letting them in.
If there is a Neighborhood Watch scheme in
operation locally, join it.