Install reliable security screen doors on main external entrances.

Main door should have a wide angle peep-hole or interview grill and a safety chain.

Door hinges should be mounted so that pins cannot be removed.

Fit deadlocks to all external doors.

When moving into your home or unit, install new locks on entrance doors.

Never open your door automatically to anyone who knocks or rings.

Never leave notes that indicate your absence.

Always take your door key with you. Do not hide it (in a nearby potplant).

Never put your name and address on your keyring.

Windows

Fit window locks or stops on all windows.

Locks should be of the type that cannot be opened if the glass is broken.

Blinds and drapes should be closed at night. It should never be apparent to anyone on the street that you are alone.

Alarm system

Consider fitting a modern alarm system. A survey of your home from a reputable security company is obligation free and usually costs nothing.

If you install an alarm system, use transfers or stickers to show that it exists.

Test your alarm regularly.

Provide your friend or security company with keys to your home and alarm to enable investigation by police if your home is entered by thieves in your absence.

External

Cut back shrubs and bushes near windows and doors. They are perfect hiding places for intending house breakers.

Lock all garage doors and windows, at night.

Ladders and tools, useful to gain entry, should be locked inside garage.

Be observant of people or vehicles lingering near your residence as suggested in most Neighbourhood Watch Programs.

If your residence appears to have been burglarised or you disturb intruders, summon police assistance immediately. Never enter the premises alone.

Service callers

Ask for identification from service callers, tradesmen, delivery people etc.

Call the company they claim to represent and verify their identity, if in doubt.

If they cannot provide identification, call the police.

Beware of people knocking on the door asking for people who do not live in the street. If you see them knocking on other doors in your street, call the police.

Telephone calls

Keep a list of general and emergency numbers by the telephone. If dialling "000", state the emergency service you require and give your name and location clearly.

Do not identify yourself when answering the telephone unless you are positive of the identity of the caller. Don’t give out unnecessary information over the telephone.

When using the telephone, never let the caller know you are home alone.

If you have an answering machine connected to your telephone, be sure your message does not indicate that you are not at home. For example, "you have called 54 123 456, please leave your name and number after the beep and I will get back to you."

Holidays

When leaving, double check that all windows and doors are locked.

Consider having a time clock to switch on some lights or leave some lighting on.

Leave your refrigerator on, a thief may check the meter box to see whether any power is being used. Better still, contact your electricity supplier to have a padlock installed on your meter box. The cost is quite reasonable.

Cancel papers, milk and any other deliveries.

Ask the Post Office to hold your mail, if your absence is for a long period.

An empty carport can be a dead give-away – have a friend or neighbour park there if possible.

Arrange for the garden to be maintained and to have the lawns mowed.

Have your wheelie bin put out and returned by a neighbour.

Leave a key with a friend or relative. Ask them to check the house regularly and to re-arrange curtains and blinds.

Ask neighbours to keep an eye on your home and to clear the mailbox of junk mail etc.

Inform the local police of your absence and provide a phone number and address at which you can be contacted.

Family

Leave an inside light and radio or TV on if you are returning home after dark.

Never have your last name on the letterbox or door bell. Use your initials.

Do not list your name as "Miss" or "Mrs" etc in the phone book or on the letterbox.

If a husband travels extensively, consider installing an intercom system at the front and rear doors to monitor callers. Consider carrying a personal "panic button" alarm.

Persons alone should never open the door unless they know who is on the other side.