Ÿ Keep doors, windows and gates locked at all times.
Ÿ Lock up valuable items outside the home, such as bikes ,and store garden equipment in a locked shed inside your garden rather than in an unsecured garage.
Ÿ If you are going away, don't announce holiday plans on social- network sites.
Ÿ Keep high-value possessions such as jewellery and cash in a bolted safe or rent a bank locker.
Ÿ Cancel your newspaper delivery while you are away.
Ÿ Ask a friend to remove any flyers left outside your door, to move your car regularly and get it washed. A dusty car is a big signal that you are away.
Ÿ Install a timer switch to turn on lights and the TV for a few hours a day.
Ÿ If you are very concerned, install a security camera or motion-sensitive lights and alarms that can alert security in your compound or the police.
Ÿ Only give spare keys to trusted friends.
Ÿ Don't rely on domestic help to take care of your security unless it is a trusted employee who has your best interests at heart.
Ÿ Register your property with the police while you are away. Both Dubai and Abu Dhabi Police have home-security programmes.
Ÿ Be careful what the outside of your house says about the inside. Flamboyant ornaments, for example, may indicate greater riches inside.
