Basic Crime Prevention

All UK Police forces have crime prevention officers - find your Hertfordshire police station here. Police CPO advice is free and un-biased.

Here are the top ten tips for basic crime prevention.

1. Fit strong locks to external doors and windows. Remember, a lock can only be as good as the door and frame, if they are old and poor condition they will need attention. wooden doors should be at least 44mm thick. It is equally important to make sure they are locked at all times.

2. If you have uPVC doors, lift the handle and turn the key to double lock.

3. Always remove the keys from locks, and keep them out of sight from windows, keep them in a safe place with easy access in case of fire.

4. Fit deadlocks that are British Standard BS3621 to doors

5. Mark your property - police check lost and stolen property for marking to verify it has been stolen

6. Fit a door chain or bar and door viewer (spy-hole), and use them. Your crime prevention office may be able to prive a mirror that is designed to see the caller whilst the chain is on.

7. Although it might seem convenient, do not leave a spare key in a convenient hiding place such as under a stone or doormat, in a flowerpot or behind a loose brick - burglars know where to look there first.

8. Give the impression that you are at home when you are out in the evening. Use a timer to switch lights on and off or leave your lights on and shut the curtains

9. Burglars don't like bright lights, install outside security lighting; if other people can see your property a burglar may think twice

10. Your tools and ladders could provide a burglar with all the equipment to gain entry to your house. Ensure tools and ladders are securely locked up.