A dog, big or small, is part of a good home security system.  It's not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog that counts.  The dog is there to warn you (a watch dog), teach it obedience and praise it when it barks at things that go bump in the night.  Whilst we may favour the bigger, strong willed dogs they are not for everyone, and in the wrong hands can be dangerous.

A good security fence is one high enough to keep the dog in, that you can see through.  That way, once an offender is in your yard he can be seen.  A thief is a low mongrel, who prefers to operate in the shadows, out of site.  Plan you yard and gardens so he doesn't have that opportunity.

The combination of a fence and dog can be an excellent deterant.  If you have a dog in the yard, and wish to use sensor lights, set your sensors to trigger when someone is at the area of the gates, or an easy access path.

Security is often about making your property less attractive to thieves than those around it. 

For the householder.  Keep the front door closed, and locked when pottering around the yard, or doing the washing out the back.  Keep the backdoor closed and locked when inside the house.  We have seen the rise of the opportunistic thief, who comes to the door and if no-one is there sneaks in and helps himself.  We have also seen the rise of the group of young offenders who work in tandem.  One comes to the front door to engage you, the other goes in the back door to steal.

Security screens and chains are a good idea, but they only work if you use them.

For those who live in high density housing, town houses or apartments.  Door peep holes, security chains, remote camera's and security lighting can be of great assistance in increasing your security.

Do not leave a spare key under a mat, pot plant or in the power box.  Thieves have idle hands and the time to sit around and watch.  If they see where you leave a key, they will be round to collect.

In highrises do not leave sliding doors onto balconeys open at night.  We all know that you can get a cool breeze.  Unfortunately, high rise speciailist thieves make use of this habit to climb up and help themselves.  This is especially true of holiday destinations.

Do not leave car keys where they are easily found.  It is adding salt to the wound when the burglar uses your car to drive away with your property. 

If you have a very expensive or special vehicle, consider installing remote satellite tracking and isolation equipment.

When you are out in the car, don't leave the windows down, nor the keys in the ignition.  Opportunity thieves are everywhere. 

When out shopping, or at an ATM.  Don't flash your cash.  If you don't feel comfortable move away, there are other ATMs.  Don't store your PIN with your card (go to the bank and get it changed to something you can remember easily).  Don't leave your bag where someone can grab it easily.  Don't let the strap dangle from your arm when walking.  Stay alert in carparks, but not fearful.  Confidence is a weapon.

If you feel uncomfortable when out, leave.  You don't have to stay.  Have your phone handy.  Call someone.  If you feel threatened call the police, now.  If nothing else dial 000 (or 911), They can identify your phone, they can hear what's going on even if your screaming where you are. 

If cornered fight, scratch, kick, scream, hit, make space and run.  Offence really is a form of defence.  Show your not an easy mark.  For women handbags are a weapon. Use it. React, don't freeze.

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