Tradition has us believe that an Englishman’s home is his castle and that he has a right to defend it. It is also his right to defend his property and his loved ones.

A generation ago it was only the more wealthy members of society who could afford to install a police-dialed burglar alarm system. Today, an increasing number of householders feel it necessary to protect their homes and families in this way.

More and more drivers are also stepping up their methods of security. As thieves become more cunning, households need to beat them at their own game by finding newer and newer ways of protecting home and family.

Electric gates with CCTV cameras, a money safe, guard dogs and even the odd goose are all very well, but there’s nothing quite as effective at making thieves shy away from the premises as a quality burglar alarm, like the ones you can get from Bulldog Security.

Computers, televisions, sophisticated hi-fi systems and sundry, and other electronic items are an integral part of the average home… and holiday home. All of these need an effective theft-deterrent; a safety net to protect against robbery, since the price to replace them can cost a small fortune.

Valuable old books, paintings, family portraits, musical instruments, antique furniture, gold and silver jewellery, priceless works of art and other ephemera all need to be kept under lock and key. Sadly, so do things like collections of old fountain pens, medical instruments, and autographs of long-dead celebrities. Anything within sight of a sharp-eyed burglar is at risk because all of these items can so easily be turned into thousands of dollars, pounds or euros.

Light-fingered burglars are not fussy about what they snatch. The more valuable the item, the more ready cash they can turn it into. So it is always wise not to give them the opportunity. With cars and caravans in particular, police advise never to leave valuables within sight of the windows. Valuables should also be kept out of sight in the home.

And here’s the latest advice from police. Install a visual burglar alarm and good outside lighting. Lock bicycles, ladders and tools safely away inside a shed or garage. Don’t leave the spare front door key under a big stone or a plant pot.

Do make sure that the house is secure before going out because thieves invariably enter through unlocked windows and doors. And if you know someone who is giving away a couple of free puppies, train them up to be guard dogs!

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