1. Install a burglar alarm connected to a security central which is open 24 hours a day 365 days a year. In Europe Securitas Aroundio concept is an easy and fast way to get started. The security solution is wireless which means that a full house can be secured and operational in less than 4 hours. The security solution leaves the house more or less unchanged without showing uggly cabels on the walls and floors. They do have pet safe sensors in the concept. Read more at: http://aroundio.se When you install an alarm to a security central, please make sure that you test the concetion on regular basis. Use a GSM transmitter as a back-up line to your reglar telephone line. Talk to your security company about this.

2. Buy & install window locks on all the windows of the ground floor of the house. It is easy to install these little devices and they will give a burglar headache!

3. Make sure to install a security lock on the terrace door with a spanjolett. Make sure that the lock is locked with a key! ASSA makes a good lock, Fix 835S. Talk to your local locksmith for more information. For more information about a leading Swedish company for security locks:  www.assa.se

4. Do not make duplicates of your keys!! In the long run you will loose track of all the keys that are out there circulating. Change the locks and get new keys! Every time you move in to a new home, CHANGE THE LOCKS AND GET NEW KEYS! 

5. Have a complete home insurance policy, read the fine prints carefully!!!! The policy does not stop a burglar or a vandal, but it helps to clean up after them and to recover some of what was stolen. However, a insurance policy can never recover personal memories or affection.....Please be aware of this. Talk to the local home insurance companies in your area. Compare their prices and services, shop around!

6. Get an unlisted home phone number. If you are listed, anyone can find you.... Talk to your local phone company!

7. Get to know your neighbours! A observant neighbour is one of the best "security devices" that you can find! If you are away on vacation, ask a friendly neighbour that you trust (know them well) to pick up your mail and to look after your house or apartment.

8. Use lots and lots of light! Burglars hate light for obvious reasons. They like dark areas where they can work in peace do not grant them this luxury! Use timers and use strong lights on your property. Use light and motion sensors together to light up dark areas. Ask your local hardware shop for professional help. Have someone qualified to install the electrical components, it is easy to make fatal errors when working with electricity.

9. Install smoke detectors in every room! Most fires do not kill! Yes it is true; it is the smoke that kills! Use smoke detectors! They are dirt cheap today and your best defence in case of a fire when you are sleeping....

10. Talk about security issues within the family. Make sure that every family member knows how to give first aid, activate/deactivate the alarm, how the smoke detectors work, why you have a burglar alarm and how the window locks work. This is security awareness at home! Talk to your children about looking after each other and to be cautious with strangers. Get involved at their school and get to know the security situation at their school. Sometimes you might get very scared of what is really going on in the local schools today.... TALK TO YOUR FAMILY ABOUT THESE ISSUES, before something happens!