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Always
lock outside doors and close the windows even if you
are just going out for a short time. But when you lock
up whilst you are inside (for example at night), keep
your keys nearby so that you can get out easily, in
case of an emergency.
-
Draw
the curtains in the evening, when the room is lit.
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Don’t
give keys to people you do not know well such as workmen
-they can make copies -but keep a spare set with a
person you trust.
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Change
the locks if you think somebody else might have another copy
of your keys, for example a previous tenant.
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Do
not leave your spare keys in obvious places such as under a
flower pot or doormat or hanging inside the letterbox.
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Look
through the ‘spy hole’ and put the door chain on before
you open the door.
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Only
take the chain off and admit the caller if you are sure
about their identity and purpose of their visit.
-
Do
not keep the chain on all the time; it will prevent someone
with a door key entering -for example a home help or the
emergency services.
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Keep
your garden tools and ladders locked away.
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Keep
valuable items out of sight.
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If
you think you have been broken into, do not go inside as the
burglar might still be inside.
Call the police.