We all want to keep our homes, our valuables and our families safe from loss and harm, yet few would want to live in a fortress.

Happily there are low-cost and easy-to-fit security devices that will significantly reduce the risk of burglary. These, combined with sensible precautions, will make your home more difficult to break into.

Summer is an ideal time for burglars as people are out and about more in the good weather as well as going on holiday. Also people tend to leave windows and doors open accidentally while they are ‘just popping out for a minute.’

But summer is also good time to get out and fit some extra security to your home. B&Q offer the following advice.

How secure is your home?

• Alarms
  One of the most effective burglar deterrents is an intruder alarm system with a bell-box and strobe light at the front of the house.
• Side Gates
  Secure a side gate with strong bolts and locks and make sure it is difficult to vault over.
• Doors
  A front door should be fitted with a mortise lock that carries the British Standard Kitemark as well as rack bolts top and bottom, a viewer and a door chain. Fit a light in the porch or by the front door. If you live in an apartment, consider fitting an internal entrance door with a bolting system that secures the door to the frame on all four sides.

Burglars generally prefer to break and enter through side or back doors, where they are less likely to be seen. Security lighting will deter them, whether operated manually, automatically or on a time switch - but make sure it does not irritate your neighbours. Back doors can be secured with mortise locks and bolts.

Check with your insurance company – they may stipulate that particular kinds of locks must be fitted on exterior doors. Don’t leave keys in the lock or on view, especially not in the hall where they could be reached with a long implement inserted through the letterbox.

• Windows and glass
  Fit window-locks to all frames – particularly if they are easy to access. Laminated glass or double-glazing is more difficult to break through quietly. Make sure your putty or glazing beads are in good order so that a pane of glass cannot be easily removed. Metal grilles and rolldown shutters are effective, if conspicuous, deterrents.
• French Windows
  Each closing door can be fitted with locking bolts top and bottom. Make certain that sliding doors cannot be sprung or lifted off their runners.
• Attics and skylights
  If you live in a terrace or semi-detached house with a common loft, you are at risk from burglars breaking in from between houses and down through loft hatches or skylight windows. Fit bolts to your loft trap-door and suitable skylight locks.
• Garages and outbuildings
  Garden machinery is attractive to thieves. Lock sheds securely with a robust hasp and padlock – but even so, remember that a shed is a lightweight construction and can be broken into with ease.
• Tools
  Any tools and equipment left lying around may be useful for breaking and entering, particularly ladders. Lock away all tools and chain ladders to a wall fixing.
• Hedges and fences
  Don’t forget that if you create privacy with a solid wall, tall hedge or fence, you also provide cover for a burglar to work in peace.

Understanding Burglars

The last thing any common burglar wants is to find an occupied house. Most burglars will make themselves familiar with your routine before attempting to break in. Early to mid-afternoon is the favourite time for break-ins; night time burglaries are comparatively rare. Burglars like to get in and out as quickly as possible, so anything that delays them, such as locks and bolts, will be a deterrent. They will also be put off by alarm systems and tend to avoid houses with barking dogs.

Once inside the house, they will head for the master bedroom first to look for personal possessions, such as jewellery. Your living rooms will be next, where they will seek out electronic and camera equipment.

If you surprise a burglar in your house, never confront him – just let him go. Don’t risk your personal safety for the sake of a few possessions.

Taking sensible precautions

When you are going on holiday:

• Cancel milk and newspaper deliveries and ask the post office to hold mail for you.
• Buy timed light fittings that switch on and off automatically, making it look as though someone is at home.
• Driveway empty? Think about parking a friend’s or neighbour’s car there.
• Portable valuables may be best transferred to your bank or safety deposit centre, or install your own safe.
• Tell a neighbour that you are away.
• Ask a friend or neighbour to visit from time to time to change the appearance of the home, for instance by opening or closing curtains or fitting time-switches to different lamps.

Marking and cataloguing

Write your postcode on your possessions with a UV pen, make a note of the serial and model numbers of electrical and camera equipment and keep a photographic record of jewellery and other valuables.

These and hundreds of other DIY jobs are covered in the new B&Q “You Can Do It” book - the complete step by step book of home improvement. No task will be too great with comprehensive advice from the professionals and easy to follow instructions, giving you the practical skills to build, renew, create and repair. Designed to give everyone the confidence to ‘do it themselves’ this must-have book is available exclusively at B&Q stores for £16.98.

If you need additional advice before you begin work, you can ask one of B&Q’s staff at your local store. Alternatively visit the B&Q website: www.diy.com where you can get further information on gardening, DIY projects and product information.

For further details on burglary and prevention see the feature article this week Features File