Peace of mind can be attained doublefold when you make sure your property and your valued contents are secure, as a secured property can procure a more affordable insurance policy and you will be much less likely to be the victim of burglary and theft. Although most of the factors that determine your home insurance premium like your property's location and its basic value cannot be changed, a few measures that make the property more secure will dramatically reduce your insurance premium. Here is a comprehensive list of security tips that will all help protect the property you value, as well as reducing your domestic budget.

1. Security marking is an inexpensive way of easily making your possessions identifiable and will increase the possibility of them being recovered if they are stolen. The method that's largely recognised is to use your postcode, followed by your house number or the first two letters of your house name. Property marking kits are commercially available, and allow you to secretly as well as prominently mark your property. Prominently marking possessions will also deter thieves as it lowers the value that stolen items can be sold for.

2. Don't leave any of your valuable property in your shed, especially if it isn't locked or if the lock is in such a poor state that is easy for a burgler to break. Gardening tools and furniture are easy to sell, and are attractive to thieves. Perhaps more importantly, tools from your shed can be used to break into your house. Make sure they are secure. Don't make it easy for intruders to access them.

3. If you're going away for a while, don't make it apparent that the place is not occupied. Close the curtains. Cancel regular deliveries like milk and newspapers until you return. If you have a friend nearby or relative you trust, you could leave a spare key with them and they could check the property regularly and tidy up piles of post and junk mail, and water plants and so on.

4. Don't leave spare keys outside, or in the garage or the shed because thieves usually look for that. If you worry about locking yourself out of your own property, then maybe leave a spare key with a neighbour you trust.

5. Thieves are less likely to be attracted to a property when it appears to have occupants present. Leaving your lights on is one way to create the impression the place is occupied, but timers on your plugs which can turn lights on and off when you're not in are even better. Also, as burglars don't like noise either, you can do the same thing with electrical audio appliances, such as radios, hi-fi systems and TVs.

6. Lock up your computer away in a cupboard or a cabinet when not being used. Use security screws and bolts on your computer to make it more difficult for a thief to open the casing to steal parts (you should check with the manufacturer that this does not affect any guarantee).

7. The outside doors of your property are the most important in terms of security. Many insurance companies insist that the installation of alarms is carried out by companies registered with NACSS - the National Approval Council for Security Systems. The Association of British Insurers recommends fitting outside doors with deadlocks which conform to BS3621. It is only possible to open these deadlocks with a key. It can't be picked with something like a stiff credit card nor can it be opened by smashing a window and reaching for the handle.

8. A pile of money will obviously be attractive to thieves, so don't leave any cash lying around.

9. If your windows can be accessed easily, install window locks. Do not install them on emergency exit or escape windows. Don't leave your windows open when you leave the property; one in five burglaries happen because opportunist thieves get in through an open door or window.

10. Fit doors that normally lock with bolts on the inside. The door itself and its frame should be as strong and safe as possible. Sliding doors, like doors for a patio should be fitted with security locks so that the frame can't be lifted out from its tracks. Double doors should be fitted with bolts at the top and bottom too. Get bolts that have detachable keys.

11. Don't have valuables like the TV, video player visible from the window.

12. Timber and PVC-u doors required different types security locks. For external PVC-u doors fit a 3 multi-point locking system. For external timber doors fit a 5 lever mortise lock.

13. If you lose your keys, change your locks immediately.

14. Make an inventory of your valuables and possessions, and note their serial numbers, make and model numbers. Take photos of your valuables as well. You could stand in the middle of your room with your camera and, turning in a circle, take a photo of everything.

15. Hide your car keys well. Don't leave them near a door or window.

16. If you can't see people at your door, install a spy hole in it so you can avoid people you don't recognise. If you can use a door chain, you will be able to look at the person and be passed identity documents without exposing yourself. If identity documents don't convince you, ask for proof of identity and call their head office.

17. Get the advice of your insurance company about burglar alarms to ensure you get one that conforms to safety standards. Burglar alarms do add security and can be an effective deterrent, but be sure it turns off after twenty minutes at the most in case it goes off when you're not there.

18. If the outside of your property is well lit it will put burglars off (your security lights should not be a nuisance to your neighbours, so make sure that they are not).

19. Ask your insurance company to recommend a good make of safe which you can use to store your small possessions and valuables.

20. Finally, join a local neighbourhood watch scheme. If there isn't one, then why not start one?