In a bid to reduce the number of house break-ins across the Borough , St Helens Council’s Community Safety Team has published a top 10 list of security myths. Stephen Kearney, the Crime Prevention and Home Safety Coordinator, says: “One of my responsibilities is the sad task of visiting people whose homes have been burgled and many of them have a number of misconceptions about security.”

• Using the snip on a cylinder rim (Yale) lock does not stop a burglar breaking in. Snips are provided to keep the door open without the risk of it locking shut.

• Callers who show identity cards are not necessarily genuine. Look at the card closely and examine it carefully before letting them in.

• Use your locks at all times as burglaries can happen at any time of the day or night.

• House alarms help but they are not the perfect solution. How many people do not set their alarms when they go to bed and how many ignore alarms that are ringing?

• Door chains are not a security lock. They are only intended to be used while opening the door to strangers.

• Leaving keys in locks does not stop a burglar. It actually makes entry easier by enabling the burglar to break the window or panel, reach in and turn the key in the lock.

• Expensive padlocks on sheds and gates are a waste of money if the hinges can be unscrewed or the gate lifted off the hinges.

• Burglars do not need lights to break into properties. They prefer to work unnoticed in darkness.

• Just because a window is small does not mean a burglar cannot climb through.

• Don’t rely on your dog to bark - dogs need sleep too!