An unoccupied home with clear access, some cover around the front of the house and easy escape routes makes for the perfect target for burglars.

So how can you minimise your homes exposure to criminals?

We have looked at the most common burglar entry points so see if your house stacks up in the security stakes.

Front Door:
Your front door is your first line of defence. Burglars will often judge a homes security with a quick scan of the security around the front door. They want to get into your home as quickly and easily as possible so make it harder for them by fitting good quality locks, a viewing hole, a door chain and make sure the door and frame are in good condition.

Garage:
Your garage generally contains your car plus many other valuable items, such as garden equipment, stored items and often items that can be used to break into your home, it can also be the point of unwanted entry into the home through the internal access door.

Make sure the entire area is well lit and the garage is secured effectively with good quality locks on both the garage door and the internal door.

Back door:
The back door often affords the best cover for a burglar because it is out of site. It is especially important to use your good quality locks and bolts on the back door to ensure the most vulnerable point is secure.

It is also good to have locked gates on the sides of your property to deter burglars getting access to the back door.

Windows:
Window bolts and locks are very important as windows represent a particularly vulnerable place for burglars to gain access.

Security Lighting:
Lighting is very important in the defence of your home. Intruders will be very wary of a well lit area. Use timers both inside the house and out so that your home will light up at the signs of movement even if no-one is home.