The first line of defence, where possible, to prevent an intruder from getting to the rear of your property (most burglary point of entries occur at the rear of the property) is with a 6' fence and gate,;consider a spiky topping (perfectly legal, but must have a warning sign displayed), and make sure it is closed and locked, especially at night.

If you have unoccupied rooms which can be accessed from outside make sure the windows are closed.  If you need ventilation in these rooms at least lock the larger window and only have the smaller window open, even during the daytime.

Leaving a door or patio door open invites trouble, even during the day - if that door is accessible the sneak thief will pop in and anything laying around will have gone; you may have only popped down the end of the garden or be having a quick shower upstairs - it only takes a second.

Before you turn in for the night check the simple things:

• Cars on the drive? - are the windows shut and doors locked? (don't assume that by pressing the button on the remote it is locked; try the handle too).  It is worth parking the less expensive car in front of the more expensive one.
  
  
• Side gate shut and locked, sheds and garages secure?
  
  
• Doors closed and locked? don't forget that on a UPVC multi-locking door you may have lifted the handle, but until you turn the key on the inside you have not locked all the locks in place.
  
  
• Don't forget to check that patio door, someone may have closed it, but did they lock it?
  
  
• Windows. - Lift the blinds or open the curtains and check them; the sun may have been on the TV so they were drawn with the window open because it was hot.  Ensure all accessible windows are closed and locked; if you live in a bungalow or have flat roofs, in unoccupied rooms keep them closed and locked, but if you need a window open for ventilation in occupied rooms as above lock the big window and just have the small one open.  If you only have bigger windows, consider a lockable window restrictor or a small alarm sensor on the window to detect entry.
  
  
• Check unecessary appliances are switched off, and make sure in case of fire that keys are readily accessible to occupants but not in view of possible burglars.
  
  
• If you have an alarm activate the zone for the unoccupied area.
  
  
• Car Keys. - Don't take them to bed with you, where possible leave them in a noisy drawer/location.
  
  
• If you do hear a suspicious noise in the house that you are not happy with, dial 999; if you have an intruder, remember that your life is more important than your property, but do get a good description and, if possible, a car registration number.
  
  

Going on holiday? Stop the milk and paper deliveries and look after each other; get a neighbour and/or a friend to keep an eye on your property, ensure neighbours have contact numbers for a key holder and where possible let them park a car on your drive.  Basically if you create the illusion that your house is occupied, it is less likely to be broken into.

If you would like to have details of neighbourhood Watch please contact.
Clive Stewart, Essex Police, Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator
Braintree District.  Tel: 01376 556 282.