Materials you’ll need:

· Security deadlock and dead latch
· Suitable locks for windows and other points of entry
· Padlock and locking bar
· Length of timber or pipe
· Sheet metal screws
· Intercom system
· Door viewer
· Door chain
· Time-switch
· Secure hasp and staple

HOME

If a criminal is determined to break into your property there is little you can do to stop him, But you can delay his progress or make entry so difficult that he may decide to go away and try elsewhere. Delaying and obstructing would-be thieves is the main aim of almost all home security devices so the more of these you have, and the more thought you put into burglar proofing your home, the safer you will be.

Start by taking a look at the mortise locks on all outside doors. If they are marked 2-lever near the bolts, or if the key has just 2 steps or a flat edge at the top of the blade (the piece of metal at right angles to the stem of the key) you have a lock often called a "burglar’s friend'. As the name implies, any knowing burglar can get through a 2-lever lock very quickly. Two lever locks should be replaced with higher-security 3 lever or 5 lever locks, which can be installed by a handyman. The most secure versions have an automatic deadlocking feature against an attack and can be locked from the inside to toil the glass-breaking intruder. ­Having the case and staple fixings concealed is a further safeguard as the lock can only be removed when the door is fully opened.

For convenience, you can have the front and back door deadlocks, keyed alike- This means you need only one key to operate both locks.

Garage and out buildings.
Store ladders and tools, which could be used by a burglar in garage or shed. Keep them locked when not in use securing them with a padlock make sure s a top quality burglar resistant design. Even more importantly, make sure the locking bar is as strong as the padlock. It is useless to install a security padlock on an inexpensive hasp and staple and can be an open invitation to a thief.

If you are working away from the house, in shed or garage, keep front door locked. Install an intercom between house and outbuildings. A wireless, type can be moved with you as required, to keep you in touch with the house both for security and safety.

Seeing is safer.
Make sure a wide-angle viewer is installed in your front door so you can see who is calling. As an additional safeguard, install a door chain, which allows the door to be opened enough to let you talk to callers without the risk that they can force their way in.

Don't just lock the door.
Make sure you fit top quality locking devices on all other points of entry. Special locks are available for all types of windows including wooden sash windows, metal sliding types, outside sliding patio doors and hopper/sliding casement windows.

Fit sash windows with an auxiliary lock or pin to prevent a thief shaking loose or forcing the lock and then sliding the window open. Special locks are obtainable to do this job or you can use the old trick of drilling a hole through the inner sash and part way through the outer sash and inserting a nail. Putting a length of timber or pipe in the track of sliding windows is a useful temporary measure but sliding window locks should be fitted for real security. If your sliding window can be lifted out of the frame for repairs, fit three sheet metal screws in the track above the window at its closed position. If the window has to be lifted out later, you can do so by removing the screws.

Think security.
Remember these rules to make your home safer:

1. Never leave notes when you go out. Burglars can read too!
2. Never leave a key hidden around your property. Burglars know more hiding places than you do.
3. Fit security locks on all external doors, and suitable locks to all other points of entry.
4. Deadlock the locks before you leave the house.
5. Keep a record of the serial numbers of your keys, appliances and other valuables.
6. If you lose a key, immediately replace the lock, or at least the cylinder.
7. If you are going away for a time, advise your local police station, leave a key with a trusted neighbour, cancel all regular deliveries and ask a neighbour to collect handbills and local newspapers. Ask the post office to hold your mail until you return.
8. Always keep garage and outbuildings locked and store ladders and tools away.

Most people only think about securing their homes after a visit from a thief. Even if you are insured and can replace any property stolen, nothing can replace your personal treasures. And once intruders have despoiled your home you may never feel quite happy there again so prevention is most definitely better than cure. If in any doubt as to the effectiveness of your security measures, check with your local Crime Prevention Officer who is an expert in the art of protecting your property.

Show a light.
Ensure lighting around your property is adequate with no dark corners. Leave a light switched on when you are planning to return home late. Better still, install a time-switch which can turn on a fight or an appliance such as TV or radio to create the impression that someone is at home. Some such devices work by time clock, which turns on the appliance at a pre-selected time, others react to changes in light, switching on a light as soon as it becomes dark. Both can fool a thief into thinking the house is occupied.