Leave house and cars keys in safe place

Leaving your house or car keys in a place easily accessible to a burglar can be very costly. Just last week, Gardai arrested several burglars nicknamed the 'fishermen' who were famous for stealing car keys from unsuspecting motorists by using an extendable rod through the victim's letter box.  So don't leave your car keys on the hall table where they can be seen by prying eyes and 'fished' for.

In an AA Home Insurance poll of over 9,200 people, it was found that many people still leave their spare house key where burglars can find it; under the mat or plant pot, in the porch or the letter box or on the door frame.

Many admitted that they often leave out a key for their children who would be coming in late at night without one. Placing your keys in the dog's kennel or attaching it to the German Shepherd's collar were quite inventive suggestions.

In fact, 542 of those polled said they left their spare key in a garage or garden shed. It is far safer to leave a spare key with a trusted friend, relative or neighbour, and your cars keys out of sight.

The AA say it's best to get into a routine when locking your house doors and windows before leaving the house or heading to bed.

* Make sure your house alarm is switched on. Many home insurance companies offer discounts to those with a house alarm.
* Make sure your outer doors are sturdy; made of solid wood or metal, a minimum of an inch thick. Your door frames should be equally as strong and should fit the door correctly.
* Fit a deadbolt lock to your home's main exterior doors. It should be pick resistant; making it impossible for any would be burglars.
* When no one is home, it's worth considering leaving a light or radio on.
* If you go on holiday, remember to cancel your regular deliveries such as milk and newspapers and ask a neighbour or friend to collect any post.