Burglary is a crime of opportunity - don't give burglars a chance. According to the British Crime Survey 2007-2008 35% of burglaries occur in properties with unlocked doors and windows.

On 4 February 2009 the Home Office announced a package of crime prevention measures that includes:

• new home security pages on the Home Office website offer a single source of information and advice on home security. The web pages include a new online personalised home security self assessment, 'How secure is your home?', that allows you to grade the security of your home in a few minutes. It then provides simple advice about how you can improve it and who you can contact for help.

Keep your home safe

To help you keep your home safe, the Home Office has put together a useful pack of information about securing your property containing information such as:

• Keep it safe. Keep it hidden. Keep it locked - advice booklet


• a guide to home security


• a self assessment checklist


• how to beat the bogus caller


• Neighbourhood Watch leaflet


• guidance for private sector tenants


• ‘Before you go out’ checklist


• The Policing Pledge

You can order your home pack by calling 0800 456 1213 and quoting 'burglary pack'. Those who order the pack will also receive a discount voucher for home security supplies at a major DIY retailer. Alternatively, you can download documents from the pack by visiting the Home Office website.