Even if you are just going out for a short time , always lock the door and close the windows when you go out Use deadlocks if you have. for a thief they make it harder to get out again. key should not be left near the wndowmor obvious place.

Window locks, especially on older windows, will help stop people breaking into the house (and remember, a burglar is less likely to break in if they have to smash a window).

spare keys should not be left outside or in garage or in car put car keys or garage keys out of sight in the house. If you need to be away from home overnight Use timers for lights and radios. an impression that someone is there will be created.

Visible burglar alarms, good lighting, and carefully directed and limited security lighting can act as deterrents. But make sure that lights don't disturb your neighbours, and that alarms turn off after 20 minutes. The area could be made more secure by using Fences at the back of the house. 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.

A 'spy hole' allows you to see who is at the door. A door chain means you can open the door a little way to talk to them. See that any improvements you make don't stop you from getting out of your house as quickly as possible if there is a fire.

Who can help you do this?

Tenants
If you rent your house or flat, your landlord has some responsibility towards its security. Ask the landlord if they will make necessary improvements if your home is not secure. Rather than mending a window it will be cheaper for them to fit window locks . Security might be made easier by living in social housing, or in a block of rented flats, forming a tenants' association.

Home owners
Spending money on security measures is a good investment. It will last a long time and can add value to your property.For help Contact your council or local police. Best measures will be advised by them to protect your property, and may even have grants to help cover the cost.

Planning constraints
There are laws (planning regulations) which govern many of the changes you can make to the outside of your home, including building walls and fences.

Unless you live in a listed building, or your council has removed your 'permitted development rights' (your rights to carry out limited development without applying for planning permission), you can build a fence or boundary wall up to one metre high where it will be next to a road or footpath, or up to 2 metres high elsewhere. These height limits would include, as a part of the wall or fence, any barbed or razor wire you put up.

you may take reasonable precautions to prevent
injury to other people caused by dangers on your property if you use barbed or razor wire, under the Occupiers' Liability Act 1984. Any barbed or razor wire you put up These height limits would include, as a part of the wall or fence.