Crime prevention

Should not create potential hiding places for offenders.

Above: Burglars would be well shielded behind the high hedges and walls

Your garden hedges and trees should be kept trimmed so as to avoid creating hiding places.

If neighbours can see the front of your house, they will also be able to see and report intruders.

Wall mounted boxes warn intruders of the presence of an alarm system and can be a good deterrent. Alarm systems vary in complexity and ability.

Consult a trusted local supplier or visit www.nsi.org.uk for approved companies.

Front doors
Wooden doors should be of solid construction with a minum thickness of 44mm and be hung from three hinges. A mortice lock bearing the BS kitemark should be positioned 2-3ft from the ground, with a quality rimlock at around 5ft from the ground.

For details of recommended locks visit www.locksmiths.co.uk.

Use a 'London bar' to strengthen the frame and a letterbox cowl to stop an intruder either looking in or pushing a tool through. Adjacent glazing can be protected with polycarbonate sheet or ornamental grilles. UPVC doors are normally fitted with multi-point locking systems; for maximum security, ensure the handle is lifted before locking.

Communal front doors
Whilst many of the above comments apply to shared doors, there is one very important exception: Fire safety considerations require that in most cases, exit should be possible without a key. Locking considerations may also be complicated by the need to provide an intercom and remote unlocking. If in doubt, seek advice from the local police crime prevention office.

Back doors
Wooden back doors should have a BS mortice lock around half way up and locking bolts at the top and bottom edges. Outward opening doors should also be fitted with hinge bolts. Avoid fitting large pet flaps and strengthen flimsy plywood panels.

French windows and patio doors
With French windows, the door that closes last holds the other in place, so it needs to be properly secured. Where possible, fit a BS mortice lock half way up and locking bolts top and bottom. Design variations mean it is best to consult a qualified locksmith about the best option for you.

Avoid leaving anything in the garden which could be used to commit a crime, for example, ladders or tools.

If you regularly store cycles or scooters/motorcycles in the garden, ensure you can lock them to something solid, for example, railings or a drain pipe. Consider installing a ground anchor.

External lights may be low-level dusk to dawn, or brighter movement-activated types. The latter may be particularly useful in your porch. However, they can be triggered by cats or foxes and must be adjusted so as not to be affected by passing pedestrians.

Some people wish to install domestic CCTV systems. Such installations are legal and are not subject to the data protection requirements which apply to larger systems; see www.ico.gov.uk. It is best to let neighbours know your plans before commencing work.

Remember to cancel regular orders when you're away.

All ground floor and accessible windows should be properly locked. 'Accessible windows' includes those which can be reached from a drainpipe, or adjoining extension, wall etc.

Locally, most windows are of the wooden sliding sash type. These are best secured by two pairs of sash stops; one to hold the window shut and a second pair, 8ins above, to allow secure ventilation. Being visible from outside, sash stops have a deterrent value too. By fitting stops to all windows, including those painted shut, you reduce the risk of a damaging attempted entry.

If you are installing new doors or windows, check www.securedbydesign.com for suppliers of security-rated products.

You may also want to consider fitting window film to the interior of your ground floor windows. Depending on the style you get this can improve the window's resilience against attack, or, using a frosted option, prevent people from seeing into your property in the day time.

Whilst we can't recommend one particular supplier, if you search for "window security film" in your internet search engine a range of options are available.

Never leave spare keys where they are easily acccessible, such as hanging behind your letterbox or underneath plant pots.

Never leave valuables (such as laptops, computers, ipods, cameras, wallets, cash) in sight of windows.

Consider joining or starting a Neighbourhood Watch scheme.

Visit: www.hfnhw.org.uk.

Please take care when disposing of personal information. Consider investing in a diamond-cut shredder (available for approximately £15) and make sure you shred any of the following before disposal:

• Bank statements
• Anything printed with your address (including the top leaf of a catalogue delivered to your home, or the label on your favourite magazine)
• Anything printed with your name
• Envelopes addressed to you
• Printed emails
• Anything with your signature
• Legal, financial, insurance, medical, holiday and work paperwork

Always secure side gates and other access points.

Left: Beware of the dustbin - it could be used to aid an intruder climbing over the gates. Right: Spot the deliberate mistake? Bolts facing outwards!