Falling prey to professional theft is a fear many homeowners all over the UK share. Worryingly, recent figures show that the number of burglaries in the UK is on the increase, with investigators warning us that thieves are becoming bolder and bolder in their pursuit of illicit goods. As a result, people are opening up their wallets and spending large amounts of cash on expensive home surveillance systems in order to protect and track their assets. 

While an expensive, state-of-the-art home security system would undoubtedly help you rest easier at night, it's not always an option, especially if you're on a tight budget. Luckily, there are a few simple things you can do to help keep your home secure without breaking the bank.

If it looks like no one is home, your house is much more likely to catch a burglar's eye. If you plan to leave the house for the evening or weekend, create the illusion that your home is occupied by leaving an upstairs light switched on. During the daytime, leave a radio playing to give the impression someone's still at home.

If you're going to be leaving the house unattended for a longer period, head to your local DIY store, or personal security specialist, pick up a handful of timers and set them to turn your lights on and off intermittently. 

Make sure all your doors and windows are locked up tight, even if you're popping to the local store for a pint of milk and will only be gone for a few minutes. Go one step further by ensuring all the locks you have installed are sturdy, well-maintained and properly fitted.

Don't leave any tools or equipment lying around outside your home (especially ladders) that criminals could use to force their way into your premises. If you want to leave something lying around outside, we recommend gravel; spreading this over your driveway will deter any would-be criminals because of the noise it makes when stepped upon.

Lastly, creating your own CCTV-like surveillance system doesn't have to be expensive; normal cameras, dotted carefully around the home, are every bit as effective as their costlier counterparts.