Hints on preventing burglary

What should I do to help prevent my home being burgled?

Lock doors and windows when you go out.
Lock screen doors when you are at home.
Ask a trusted neighbour to collect your mail and keep an eye on your home while you are away.
Turn down your phone and cancel milk and paper deliveries while you are away.
Keep ladders and tools locked away so there is nothing handy that a thief can use to enter your home.
Hang up if you get an unpleasant or unusual call – don't speak to the person. If nuisance calls persist, keep a record of them and contact your telephone service provider and the police.
Pretend there is someone else in the house if someone unknown to you is at your door or on the phone. Call to a 'make believe' partner or friend and say something like “it's okay, I've got it”.
Check the identification of any service or repair people before you unlock the security screen door.

Don't leave your keys in hiding places such as under the doormat or pot plants.
Don't mark your keys with your name and address.
Don't leave messages on doors – they suggest no-one is home.
If you are expecting parcels, have a trusted neighbour collect them.
Consider leaving a light or the television on when going out, to create the impression someone is at home.
Keep cash and valuables out of sight.
Don't tell too many people that you are going away and leaving your home empty.
Don't let a stranger into your home to use your phone or check your appliances unless you are sure it is safe.
Don't give your name, phone number, address, or any other details about yourself or someone you live with to unknown telephone callers.
Don't leave your keys or bag in your car while transferring groceries or packages from the car to your home.
Don't confront an intruder in your home – leave your home and contact the police from a neighbour's house.