Most thieves look for the easiest way in and the easiest way out so if your house is difficult to enter the chances are they will try somewhere else. To find out how easy your house is to break into just ask your self how easy it would be to get back in if you were locked out. If you can do it easily so could anyone else!

It sounds obvious but don't go out and leave the doors and windows open - even for a few minutes. It can take longer to nip to the shop than to nick a stereo.

Be careful with keys. Don't leave them hanging on a string through the letter box, under a mat or anywhere outside the house. If you have agreed to leave spare keys with Priority then a spare set can be gained from the office during working hours.

If you do suffer a break in things needn't be as bad as you think. Making a note of serial numbers for things like TVs gives you a greater chance of getting them back and home contents insurance will cover the cost of anything stolen. Your housing worker can help you with arranging a policy.