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It's every householder's nightmare. And, as Gyles Brandreth discovered, with burglaries on the rise - up by 4 per cent last year - it is a nightmare that's fast becoming a reality for more and more people.
Gyles met Amanda Holland, who last year was the victim of a burglar who took many precious items, to investigate the steps she could have taken to prevent the thefts from happening.
Reformed thief and now Reverend Richard Taylor was on hand to give her tips on how to improve the security of her home.
Richard's tips
* Low hedges at the front of the house create a physical barrier to get over, plus the mental barrier of nothing obscuring the house from the street.
* Other things can will dissuade thieves from targeting your home include a dog and a gravel drive, as burglars won't like the noise walking over it will create.
* If you are away from home for long periods who can help security by using timer switches to turn lights on, making sure papers and milk doesn't pile up and by keep curtains or blinds shut.
* A determined burglar will get in if he wants to, so think about a safe for your most important possession.s
* Don't leave bank/credit card statements lying around, as the burglar will instantly have access to thousands of pounds.
* Don't leave keys in the open or in a draw, if you do you might as well have left everything unlocked anyway.
* You should never confront a burglar, as many are breaking in to feed a drug habit and that makes their behaviour unpredictable.
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What do think? Is it really possible to make your home burglar-proof? And what steps have to taken to keep your home secure? Add your comments.
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