The Home Office has launched a new crime mapping service in England and Wales, releasing street-by-street information on every crime reported to the police. Policing Minister Nick Herbert said the Government was determined to provide as much detailed information as possible. "We can't sweep crime under the carpet," he said. "We have to tell the truth about crime and where it is happening and give the information and the power to the public.”

When it comes to home security it seems that we tend to be too relaxed and often only take action when something happens. Unlike taking out insurance where we are pre-prepared for an unexpected event, like a break in, our homes are often left in a vulnerable and un-secure state. Crime statistics tell us that the properties that are targeted are always those that have a poor level of home security and provide burglars with easy access. Older properties that are not alarmed give burglars ample time to go through the premises taking whatever items are easily transported and sold on.