• When you go out, always lock the door and the windows – even if you are not going far.
• Window locks, especially on older windows, will help stop people getting in – and remember a burglar is less likely to break in if they have to smash a window.
• If you have deadlocks, use them. They make it harder for a thief to get in and out – do not leave the key in an obvious place.
• Don’t leave spare keys outside and put keys out of sight within the house.
• Use timers for lights and radios if you need to be away from home overnight. This will create the impression someone is in.
• Visible burglar alarms, well lit streets and carefully directed security lighting can put burglars off. But make sure that lights don’t disturb your neighbours and alarms turn off after 20 minutes.
• Fences at the back of the house may make this area more secure, but walls and solid fencing may let a thief break in without being seen. A good compromise is chain-link fencing, or trellises with prickly shrubs.
• Fitting a ‘spy hole’ allows you to see who is at the door before you open it. Having a door chain means you can open the door just a small way to talk to them if you do not know them.
• Anyone who wishes to speak to a police officer about crime prevention concerns should contact their local police station.

The whole of the RCIPS Crime and Traffic Statistics Jan-March 2102 vs 2011 Report is posted below. Note in the first Stats the column headed Difference between 2012 and 2012 should I believe mean Difference between 2012 and 2011.