To keep properties as secure as possible when making DIY improvements to a property, homeowners should look through the eyes of a burglar.
This is the advice of expert Jonathan Lim from security firm Friedland, who said protecting a home need not be expensive.
"Stand back and have a look at your house and see where the weak points are," he advised.
"Is there a wheelie bin by the fence, so that a burglar could jump over the fence?" he asked. "Have you made sure that all of your windows and doors are shut when you leave home?"
One of the most effective measures homeowners can take is to install a burglar alarm," Mr Lim insisted.
Research carried out by Friedland showed that only four out of ten UK homes have a security alarm in place.
Other improvements homeowners can make to their properties to deter burglars include fitting window locks and installing motion-sensitive exterior lighting.
