Moving can be an exciting time and we hope you enjoy your new home.

However, when you prepare to move home there is much to think about to make sure everything goes well. Burglars know this and may be on the look-out for a chance to commit a crime.

Whether you are renting or buying, your chances of being burgled are higher when you move home. The risk is even greater if you are renting.

There are a number of things you can do to reduce the risk.

Using trades-people

Check that estate agents, removers and other trades-people can be trusted and are a member of a professional body or association.

Take care of your keys

If you need to pass your keys to others make sure that the person can be trusted and ask for the keys to be returned as soon as they have finished with them. Do not hand out more sets of keys than you need to.

Tell your neighbours

If you have put your house up for sale ask your neighbours to keep an eye on your home while you are out. Let them know your movements and when you expect possible buyers to call, but take care who you tell.

Advice from estate agents

If you are out a lot and a "for sale" board has been recommended, ask your estate agent to be careful about the details they give out about you, your work and the security arrangements and layout of your home.

Insurance cover

Make sure that your home contents insurance cover will transfer when you move and remember to update your motor registration and insurance details too.

Entry to your home

Only allow someone to view your home if they have made an appointment with the estate agents. If strangers appear without an appointment and ask to view your home do NOT let them in. Suggest they contact the estate agent first.

Dealing with rubbish

When you prepare to move home you may decide to throw away more things than usual. Be careful about leaving large piles of rubbish or packed bins outside your home for too long.

Packing your belongings

Take care if you collect lots of boxes from local shops - a burglar may see this as a sign that you are moving soon. Think about using large plastic bags for lighter items. Think about leaving small valuable items, like jewellery, on deposit at the bank.