by Janette Peel

Created on: December 22, 2008

Concerned about the high rate of burglaries being committed and that your house isn't secure enough to deter intruders? If so, check out some of these security tips and visit your local DIY or hardware store to choose from a wide range of security products that can be easily installed to secure your home.

These days, most household burglaries are committed by a new type of criminal. They are young, unemployed and very often supporting some sort of drug habit. They are, in a sense, amateur' burglars.

Only a small majority of intruders are hard-core professionals' with the skill and equipment to break into any home or property they want to. Therefore, it makes good sense to take simple precautions to foil this majority of amateur' burglars.

Properly fitted dead-locks' on doors and keyed security locks on widows are enough to turn away most thieves. Even a professional' may move on, rather than spend too much time breaking in.

The best deterrent is being prepared and to make it difficult to get in:

Make sure all doors and windows are locked.
For sliding aluminum windows place a length of cut dowel in the track so the window cannot be opened.
Install deadlocks on all external doors.
Change locks or cylinders when you move into a new home.
Never give keys to a workman.
Install key operated window locks
Have good exterior lighting under eaves.
Don't leave tools in unlocked tool shed padlock it.

General precautions:

Photograph your painting, antiques and other valuables.
Don't let unauthorized people in.
Make a note of the serial number of all your appliances.
Have valuables engraved with your driver's license number.
Don't put identification on a key ring.
Never leave notes on your door
Install a door viewer to check unexpected visitors.

Don't make it easy for them if you are out or away on holidays.

Light your house up with movement activated lights, above entrance doors, in the carport and along pathways.
Leave outside lights on at night.
Arrange curtains and blinds in normal open and closed positions.
Ask a neighbor or friend to keep on eye on your house.
Shut your garage door and padlock it.
Advise local police if you will be away for any length of time.
Ask a neighbor to clear your letter box of circulars, leaflets etc.
Ask a friend to collect your mail or have it re-directed.
Cancel newspapers and milk.
Don't leave ladders and tools lying around
Don't leave notes on the door.
Hang some washing on the line to give a lived in look.

The 001 automatic dead latch is a burglar's nightmare. It is

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