The Government is committed to reducing burglary by 25% by 2005 (compared to 1999). At least 80% of all burglaries are committed by amateur opportunists that take advantage of an open door or window. They particularly like it if we leave a key under a mat or a side door unlocked! It takes only a few minutes to commit the offence and around 25% of burglaries are committed by gaining entrance through an open door or unlocked window.

The most popular time for burglars is during the day when the house is most likely to be empty. House breaking is popular in the winter and summer months. The winter months are darker and so gives the thief more chance of not being seen, the summer because we are more likely to be on holiday or because we leave our windows open for ventilation.

If you are planning on going on holiday make your home look like someone is living in it. Don't close your curtains in daytime this shows the house is empty. Use automatic timer-switches to turn your lights on when it goes dark, don't discuss your holiday plans with anyone other than friends and family.

A passing window cleaner may have another part time job! Do not forget to cancel milk and papers. The Royal Mail has a ‘Keepsafe' service, they will hold on to your mail for up to two months will you are away.

The burglar is most likely to be a male under the age of 21. They have often begun a life of crime much earlier and will be a persistent offender who will be stealing to pay for a drug habit. One of the most effective deterrents is the sound of a dog in the house, even if the dog is a small one, they will rather move on to a house without a dog.