While all of us worry about crime, particularly when we are bombarded with images of criminal behaviour on television, there are things we can do to prevent crime. Learn in this section some practical steps you can take to protect yourself, your family, and your property. Below you will find a summary of the topics covered in this section. If you would like more information, click on the relevant article in the left-hand column of the page.

Many houses are burgled after criminals kick in the door or take advantage of poor locks. Choosing the right doors, locks and windows are the best way to make sure your home is safe and sound. Learn what are the best locks to protect your belongings at home.

Marking your property is one of the simplest and most effective ways of protecting your possessions.

Marking your valuable property with your name or address is easy and effective. If your property is ever stolen, it makes it more difficult to sell on, and it makes it easier for the police to trace your belongings back to you if found. Learn what methods the police recommend when marking your property.

This section of the site contains information on specific scams and rip-offs. Examples include:

• Emails from other countries offering large sums of money to help move imaginary bank accounts
• Phone calls and text messages advertising offers that are too good to be true
• Investment and travel opportunities that are not as advertised
• Unexpected and unwanted gifts that you are later asked to pay for
• Medical and mystical products that do not work or even exist

Learn what some of the common scams are, how to spot them, and what to do to prevent yourself from becoming a victim.

When somebody turns up on your doorstep asking for money or help, they're often not who they say they are.

It's a common scenario: somebody knocks on your door and tells you their car has broken down, and could you loan them some cash? They promise to pay you back - they'll just drop the money through your mail slot.

The only problem? It's a scam.

Learn how to protect yourself from becomming a victim of a bogus caller.

Get specific information here on how to stay safe if you fall into one of the groups vulnerable to crime, such as the following:

Internet fraud is one of the fastest growing areas of illegal activity in the UK. If you shop online, take a few easy steps to ensure that your personal information is protected.

Although you're no more likely to be a victim of crime on public transport as you are anywhere else, there are a few simple actions you can take to make sure you stay safe

Elderly people are no more at risk of crime than anybody else, but they are often more concerned about crime than other age groups. Learn how to protect yourself if you are elderly.

Students own more expensive consumer goods per head than the rest of the population. It is no surprise then that 1 in 3 students becomes the victim of a crime each year. Added to that fact, young people (aged 16 to 24 years old) are around three times more likely to be victims of burglary than people in other age groups, which makes students all the more vulnerable. Learn how to protect yourself.