The police recommend an automatic alarm system be installed to back up the physical security of a property. There are various types of alarms available on the market. They range from an audible DIY system that can be fitted yourself to a more sophisticated model installed professionally.

Alarms vary in price but for an approved quality model you can expect to pay more than �500.

You should install a model approved by the two nationally recognised alarm inspectorates: NACOSS and SSAIB.

Some people use a dummy box which looks like an alarm but has nothing in it. Experts say they can sometimes act as a deterrent but are not as good as the real thing.

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