Getting a professional security survey of your home or small businessis important and a simple process that you can do yourself in less than an hour. A burglary is not only disturbing, but can cause many hours of sorting the mess, dealing with insurance claims etc, so avoidance is the best method of ensuring this disturbance to you and your life does not happen.

When having a home security survey, the professional company will look at your property and advise you on many things that you may even see in your own home. They will look at your property as a burglar will, for example they will look through your wondows from the outside to see what you have on show and advise, possible internal security. They will think about your outbuildings, like shed and garages, where you store your gardening tools etc, 

They will then find the most secure places to place the security systems, or CCTV, taking into account the area covered and windows, entrances etc. Also does the property or business premises have outside lighting, area ll corners and shaded areas covered, can the burglar access the property via windows. Allof these problems are advised upon

Next check all your doors and make sure they fit snug. If you need new locks, replace then now.You probably want to add a dead bolt or chain lock if you do not have them on your doors. If you have sliding glass doors install pins in them. Its very easy to lift them off their tracks. Lastly its a good idea to keep your doors locked even when you are home.

Do your windows have good locks on them? Do you keep them locked? Check your screens and replace them if you need to. If you have window air conditioner units make sure they are anchored in a way that they cannot be taken out of the window from the outside. If you have a fence around your home put a good lock on it.

Criminals look for homes they can enter quickly and easily. Make it harder for them and they will move on.

Here are a few suggestions to protect you and your valuables.

1. Get a good safe and use it. Bolt it down where it cannot be easily removed.
2. All valuable papers should be kept in a safe deposit box.
3. Make an accurate inventory of all your valuables. Serial numbers,makes,models,etc.
4. If phone lines are cut have your cell phone close by to call police.
5. I would engrave items of value with some sort of code. Police often find stolen items.
6. Do you shred papers with your personal information on them before putting them in the trash?
7. Ask neighbors you can trust to watch your home while you are away.
8. As a matter of fact give that neighbor your contact information while you are away.
9. If you are going away for an extended period of time let your local police department know.
10.Last deactivate your garage door opener while you are away.

Of course I did not mention a home security system. If you cannot afford a monitored home