Home security

You should do all of the following to keep your home safe:

• lock security doors and screens on windows to provide a barrier but still allow air to flow
• ask for identification of trades and sales people or strangers before opening your door
• make sure you know the friends and acquaintances of your children or other people who visit your home
• keep doors locked, even when at home or in the garden, but don’t deadlock yourself inside in case you need to leave in a hurry
• install smoke alarms and check them regularly
• keep cash in the home to a minimum
• consider a dog as a deterrent
• display house numbers prominently to make your home easy to find in an emergency
• don't leave your car keys or other keys lying around or in obvious places
• don't leave keys hidden outside the house. Leave spares with trusted friends or neighbours
• don't leave tools outside that could be used to break into your home
• don't keep a weapon in the home for protection - it could be used against you.

You should do all of the following to stay safe when using your phone:

• never reveal that you will be going away or that you are not at home
• never provide your name or address
• hang up on nuisance callers
• keep emergency, family and neighbour numbers close to the phone
• install a phone, or an extension, in your bedroom
• activate the PIN and security code on your mobile phone.

You should do all of the following if an intruder enters your home:

• stay calm
• comply with the intruder’s instructions
• leave the house if possible
• contact police.