It seems that every night when you watch the news that there is yet another home invasion, robbery or assault on your premises.
By taking some simple steps you can drastically lower your risk of becoming the next casualty.  Here are some ideas that you can put into practice today that will give you and your household greater protection.

1. When you arrive home have your key handy so you are not standing there fumbling around making yourself an easy target.
2. If you arrive by car at night always leave your headlights on until you have opened the front door or garage.
3. If you take a taxi home always ask the driver to wait until you are inside the house.
4. Make sure you know who is at the front door before opening it.  Have a door viewer fitted so you can clearly see them and they can’t see you.
5. When you first purchase your house or apartment get the locks and keys changed.  Remember that chain locks won’t stop a determined intruder.That is another reason to know who is behind the door before you open it.
6. If you don’t know who the visitor is, ask for identification.  Ask them to hold it up for you to read through the view finder.
7. Be aware of ruses to enter your home.  The visitor may ask to use the phone or maybe they are looking for a lost pet.  They may not be genuine and if you feel that you should help, make the phone call for them, without letting them in.
8. When someone phones with a wrong number never give them your correct number.  Should you receive an obscene phone call, hang up, and call the police.
9. For a women living alone, never dress in front of an open window, and list your name in the phone book by initial only.
10. Have motion lights fitted or leave on an outside light at night.  Plant prickly bushes in front of downstairs windows.
11. Think about putting in a monitored alarm system.
12. Have security cameras fitted with a recorder so that if you are robbed there is a record for the police.  It is important to have a dated and timed recording.
13. When you arrive home if you are suspicious that someone is inside your house go immediately to a neighbour and alert the police.
14. Be aware of what is happening around you when in the garden or hanging out your washing.  Carry your cell phone with you.