Burglary - 10 tips on how to avoid it

The abundance of unoccupied homes during summer, many of which will be insufficiently protected, provides plenty of easy pickings for burglars in this recessionary period. It may come as no surprise to learn that homes lacking in basic security are the most vulnerable to criminal opportunists. According to recent Home Office research, such homes are ten times more likely to be burgled. However, ensuring your home is adequately protected will considerably reduce your level of risk. Here are the 10 basic steps you can take to avoid the misery of a break-in while you're away...

1) Ensure all windows and doors are secured with appropriate locks that meet the required British Standards.

2) Check that doors and frames are robust and in good condition, fitted with hinge bolts or security hinges - these can be bought cheaply and will support a door against forced entry.

3) Sliding patio doors should also be fitted with security bolts to prevent lifting or forced entry.

4) Ensure you don't advertise your valuables and keys by leaving them visible to opportunist thieves; lock small precious items away, ideally in a built-in safe.

5) Give the impression that your home is occupied by using timers to turn on lights.

6) Ask a trusted neighbour to park their car in your drive or outside your home occasionally while you're away. An empty drive can be an obvious giveaway to potential intruders.

7) Ask a neighbour to make sure mail and newspapers are not building up on your doormat or protruding from your letterbox - these are obvious signs that your home is unoccupied.

8) Consider having a professionally installed intruder alarm fitted. A massive 67% of intruders are deterred from burgling alarmed homes. If you invest in an alarm, get at least three quotes and use a reputable company which meets the standards of a recognised certification body such as the National Security Inspectorate.

9) It's worth speaking to your local Police to run your home security measures past them - they will give useful, free, impartial crime-prevention advice.

10) Lots of insurance companies offer security advice including which type of intruder alarm is best for your property's level of risk. Installing a professionally fitted intruder alarm may also obtain you a discount from your annual home insurance premium.