The number of burglaries in Carmarthenshire is low, and in 2005-2006 there were 366 domestic burglaries. This is a reduction of 16.4% as compared with the year before. Non-domestic burglaries reduced even more. They were down to 656, a fall of 24.1%.

However, you should not become complacent. You should still make every effort to secure your home and to reduce the risk of becoming a victim.

Home security is the best way to reduce your chances of being burgled. A lot of burglaries are carried out on the spur of the moment, as a burglar may see an open window or other easy point of entry and take their chance.

Top tips to beat the burglar:

• Always lock all doors and windows when you go out, even if only going for a short time.
  Window locks are a good preventative measure, particularly on older style windows.
• If you have deadlocks, use them.
• Don’t leave spare keys outside or in a garage or shed, and put car keys or garage keys out of sight in the house.
• Use timers for lights and radios to create the impression that someone is home (e.g. if you are way for the night).
• Visible burglar alarms, good lighting and carefully directed security lighting can put burglars off.
• Fences at the back of the house may make this area more secure, but solid walls or fencing may let a thief break in unseen. A compromise is chain link fencing or trellises with prickly shrubs.
  

Bogus callers

Most people that come to your door will be genuine callers, but it is best to make sure. Fitting a spy hole to your front door allows you to see who is there. Having a door chain means you can open the door a little and talk to them. If you were not expecting

The Community Safety Partnership has a Burglary Action group.

This group meets regularly to look at the problem of burglary across Carmarthenshire, and at how the number of burglaries in the area can be reduced even further.