Unfortunately, many break-ins occur when items of value have been seen in the property or going into the property, with burglars often watching houses for days and weeks on end before they actually attempt the break-in.

When moving valuable goods into your home you need to be aware of who is around. If you have bought a new TV, for example, simply covering the box with a dust sheet will mean that is not obvious exactly what you have in the home.

Never leave valuables on view by a window or near a door and if possibly till blinds or even drawer curtains so people cannot look in your home when you are not there. If you do have items that are worth a lot of money that are not kept with you then you may want to consider investing in a bolted down safe or hidden safe allowing you to store those items away when you are not using them.

Be sure to take out contents insurances for not only the usual contents in your home but also extra cover for items that are worth over £500. Should the worst happen, at least you will be covered to claim the money back.