There are a number of things you can do to decrease the risk of being burgled. You may not be able to look at your house as a bugler might so you could get a friend to do it for you.

They will notice the small window you always keep open in the bathroom for ventilation or the way you keep your car keys dangling from an ornament in the hall – close to the front door. They will see your home with fresh eyes the way a burglar would. Taking steps to secure your home could be as simple as changing your daily routine, just because you have never been burgled doesn't mean you won't be tomorrow.

Install the best security you can afford. Even getting a window replaced will be cheaper then the cost of a burglary. A five lever mortise lock and window locks will bring the cost of insurance premiums down. Some insurance companies will require you to have these fitted – check your policy. A peep hole fitted to the front door will stop the bogus caller surprising you on the door step – don't open the door at all If in doubt.

Becoming a member of the Neighbourhood Watch will not only involve you in caring for your neighbourhood and those around you but also lower the cost of insurance premiums. Research carried out by a leading insurance company recently suggested that residents in Neighbourhood Watch schemes are six times less likely to be burgled than non-members.

The scheme normally encourages meetings where residents can discuss any problems and make decisions on local issues. If an area is being targeted by bogus callers or a particular type of burglary, it gives residents a warning to step up security or to be extra vigilant especially if the area has elderly or vulnerable residents who need to be protected.

The scheme itself was formed in 1981 and in 1995 it was formed into a self administering national association. It has over five million members with over 170,000 street schemes.

Neighbourhood Watch hopes to;

• Encourage better neighbour relations and so create closer communities
• Encourage residents to look after each others homes when they are out or away. A ‘nosey' neighbour is worth their weight in gold if you are unable to be at home all day.
• Encourage residents to report suspicious incidents to the police