Burglary rates have fallen by nearly 40% since 1997. Your risk of being burgled is now lower than at any time in the last 20 years.

But that's still too high. There is a lot you can do to protect against burglary. It's mostly common sense, but we all should remember to use it.

Consider the facts

• Nearly half of all burglaries happen when a home is empty.

• Most are opportunist - around 2 out of 10 successful burglaries are through open windows or unlocked doors.

• In many burglaries, it takes the thief just 5 minutes to break in, steal property and leave.

Simple preventive steps

• Shut and lock all doors, even if you're only going out for a short time.

• Close and lock all windows too - burglars don't like to smash glass.

• Do not "hide" keys outside your home, nor leave them in an obvious place near doors or windows.

• Make sure your valuables, including TVs and stereos, cannot be seen from outside.

• Make your home look occupied when you're away by using timers on radios and lights. (See "Peace of Mind When You're Away".)

• When you buy new items like DVD players or video recorders, don't leave the empty boxes near the bins as an advertisement.

• Hide or lock away passports and official documents - identity fraud is on the rise.

• Don't leave car keys near doors or windows - car theft through burglary is also on the rise, and burglars even stick poles through letterboxes to steal keys.

• Consider marking your property - this puts thieves off because it makes it harder to re-sell the stolen goods. (See "Coded for Keeps".)

For more information, see "Your Guide to Keeping Your Home Secure."

Best defences

Homes with good security are much less likely to be burgled than those without.

Also, the average financial loss from burglary is far greater than the cost of good-quality door and window locks.

• Deadlocks make it harder for burglars to get out with your goods if they got in through a window.

• Window locks deter burglars because smashing glass attracts attention and can leave forensic evidence.

• Visible burglar alarms are a great deterrent though it's courteous to your neighbours to ensure that they shut off after 20 minutes.

• Security lighting is also a good deterrent, but should be placed carefully near entry points so as not to disturb neighbours.

• Timers on radios and lights make it look like you're there when you're not.

• Spy holes and chains on doors let you see who's there without opening up.

• Fencing can both hinder and help burglars - make sure it's not easy to hide behind or climb. (See "Be Safe, Be Secure - Protecting Your Property").

It's also wise to invest in household insurance (but if you don't have or use approved locks, you may not be covered).

Who is most at risk

Everyone should take steps to protect their home, but some people are more vulnerable to burglary than others.

• Students - 1 out of 3 students will be the victim of a crime, and burglary is high in student accommodation

• Young people (16-24) living on their own although aimed at students, the site is relevant for all young people living away from their families)

• Families with young children - children tend to be careless about precautions like closing windows and doors, and their high-tech games and other belongings are attractive to criminals (especially at Christmas time)

• New residents, especially renters, who have been in their home for less than a year

• The unemployed, as well as the economically inactive and those on low income

• Previous burglary victims - thieves commonly return to steal what they missed, or to nick the items you've replaced - often very soon after the first burglary

The elderly are NOT a high-risk group, but they are vulnerable to:

• Leaving doors unlocked to allow visitors access, especially if they have mobility problems. Remember to keep all doors and windows locked.

• Distraction burglary. This is when "bogus callers" trick their way into your home and distract you while stealing money and valuables. If an unexpected caller comes to your door, remember to stop - chain - and check who they are before opening. (See "How to Beat the Bogus Caller (PDF)".)

When you're most at risk

You are most likely to be burgled when your home is empty. Therefore:

• When you are on holiday

- Use timers on radios and lights

- Cancel milk and newspaper deliveries

- Have a neighbour stop by to collect mail and open/close curtains

- See "Peace of Mind When You're Away"

• When you're moving home

- Check that removers and trades people belong to a professional association

- Only give out copies of your keys to people you trust, and don't label them with your name and address

- Change the locks to your new home as soon as possible

- See "Peace of Mind While You Move Home"

Be especially careful at Christmas time - burglars love the festive season, as there are always lots of presents to steal

Don't buy stolen goods!

• It's not just an offence (punishable by up to 14 years in prison), but it helps to encourage and nurture crime and it can fund drug abuse.

• It makes it harder for thieves to sell on stolen property, thus reducing the incentive to steal in the first place, and directly impacting the market for burglary and drugs in your neighbourhood.

What you can do:

• If you're offered property that you suspect might be stolen: Ask to see the instruction booklet, the original box or any other paperwork that would accompany such a product. If the seller can't produce it, the item is more likely to be stolen.

• If you're offered a price for something that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Thieves are more interested in a quick sale than a good price, especially if they stole the property to pay for drugs.

• If you know of a person or establishment that is selling stolen goods, please call the police or Crimestoppers (free) on 0800 555 111.

• Mark your property and record the details. This makes it less attractive to thieves and can help police prove that a suspect is in possession of stolen property. (See Coded for Keeps.)

Source : homeoffice.gov.uk