Burglary is one of the most common crimes in Hong Kong. Each year about HK$400 million worth of property is stolen. Most burglaries occur when your home is empty. This may be when you're away on holiday or in the evening while you're out. However, burglars may also break in late at night while you're sleeping. You may not even realise that you've been burgled until the next morning.

There are many simple precautions you can take to help prevent burglaries. Probably the most important thing you can do is to make sure your front door is secure with at least one good quality thief-resistant lock. For added protection, fit a door guard or door chain and a door viewer. You should also make sure the door is made from solid wood since hollow doors are easy to break down.

Whenever someone comes to your door, you should follow a simple door drill. First, check all callers through your door viewer. Then, ask the callers to identify themselves. Before opening the door, ensure the door chain is on. If you have any doubts, do not open the door. If the caller refuses to leave or becomes aggressive, call the police or contact your building security immediately.

It's also important to make sure that your windows and balcony doors are secure as many burglars enter through these routes. You should fit quality locks that will stop a criminal from breaking a window and opening it from the inside. If you want to be able to leave your windows open, you should install window grilles. Make sure that balcony doors cannot be opened from the outside. Never leave your balcony door open at night.

Finally, it is advisable not to keep valuable items or large amounts of cash at home. However, if you have to, use a high quality safe that is securely fixed in place.

   
Record important details of your valuables and keep original receipts if possible. Take photographs of the items from various angles. For smaller items, place a ruler alongside to indicate scale. This information may assist the police in recovering your stolen property and also help you in making a claim on your insurance in the unfortunate event of a burglary. Keep your completed list of valuables, receipts and photographs in a safe place, preferably not at home.