Home security is a massive issue, but this is nothing new – it always has been an issue for parents and home owners. The issue is that family structure has altered. Not so long ago, people had much larger families and mothers or grandmothers stayed at home to look after the children. With six, eight or even ten children in a family, the house was never empty so burglars did not have a lot of opportunity. There was more social cohesion too, so criminals were loath to steal from their neighbours. So they set upon shops instead.

Everybody worries about the security of their homes and families. The question is: how can you make your home safe without turning it into Fort Knox? The sad fact is that, if someone is determined to get into your home, they can and will. Ten years ago, my home was ‘safe’, but I was tricked into opening the door and I let my attackers in. No home security system can safeguard against situation like that.

Security is an essential aspect of life, but then it always has been. It is normal for parents to try their best to take care of their families and it is normal and even a legal requirement for an employer to ensure the safety of his or her staff. Part of the way we carry out these tasks is to defend the environment in which we live and work – our homes and our offices or other places of work.