Secure home before leaving - PSNI

Community Safety Inspector Colin Audley points out there are a few things people can do to lessen their chances of becoming a victim:

• If your doors aren't secure, neither is your house. Make sure your doors are strong enough, fit mortise deadlocks, door chains and viewers and use them. Never leave keys in the locks, on tabletops or hooks in view of external windows. Never hide spare keys under doormats, flower pots etc - thieves aren't stupid - hidden keys make life easy for the burglar.

• Whether your window frames are wood, metal or UPVC, there are various locks available, suitable for fitting to all window-type openings. If your window does not already have a keyed lock fitted, then consider having suitable locks fitted, particularly on ground floor windows or upper windows that may be easily accessed from a flat roof.

• Take a look at what most garages or sheds contain and calculate the value of the items to yourself or the thief. Always lock your garage or shed - remember tools or ladders stored there may be used to assist the criminal in breaking into your home.