General security

• do not leave cash or valuables around your property
• mark valuable items with your postcode and house number, or keep a note of serial numbers
• when you go out in the evening, draw the curtains and leave a light on in a room (not just the hall)
• when you go away, fit a timer device to a living-room lamp to make the house look as if someone is in. Tell your neighbourhood housing officer if you are going away for a long time.
• arrange with a neighbour you trust to keep an eye on each others houses
• if you fit extra door locks, make sure that they can be opened easily from inside in case you need to get out in an emergency
• when you go out, check that all windows and doors are closed
• do not leave your keys or any money where a stranger might find them, or see them or reach them through the letter box
• if you have a shed keep it locked - a thief might use tools from your shed to break into your home