Beat The Crooks: Crime Prevention For All Quiz

Answer: They force doors or break windows.

These are all means of entry. Given the time and opportunity, a burglar can gain access to most houses. Some people, though, make it easy for the criminals. A staggering proportion of burglaries takes place via UNLOCKED doors or windows. Police officers estimate that a quarter of burglaries are via unlocked doors or windows.

Answer: On your bedside table

Modern cars, especially high value models, are increasingly more difficult to steal without the keys. Getting the keys is a priority for the criminals and they often break into homes at night just to steal them - police call these 'creeper burglaries'.

The hall table is one of the worst places you could keep the keys. Crooks have been known to poke fishing rods through letterboxes to lift them.

Answer: No

You need to be very careful about this. If you are making a purchase by telephone or on the internet, you may be asked for the numbers by the trader. If you are the one who initiated the transaction, you probably know the other party is genuine. If you get a cold call from a "credit card company", insist on ringing back to a number that appears on your card statement or on the official website--not one they give.

This is a scam by fraudsters who want to know the number. If you provide it, they can use it to obtain goods or services and the first time you will know is when it appears on your next account.

In the same vein, if you get an email asking about banking details, only reply to the sites that you KNOW to be accurate. Many false emails are in circulation.

Answer: Nowhere in a car is safe to hide valuables

If they see it, they'll steal it is the basic message. Never leave valuables such as handbags, wallets or mobile phones in your car. If your have a portable sat nav, take it with you also.

Answer: Pull the curtains closed

Closed curtains during daylight hours are a giveaway that a house is unoccupied. The other answers are sensible measures.

Answer: No

Your bank will never ask for your PIN code. Never give it to anyone and never write it down in any form that would be recognised.

Answer: Put them away in your shed or garage until you need them again

It only takes a moment for a thief to spot and snatch your tools, always lock them away when not in use.

Answer: No

Fraudsters have become adept at sending out false emails that mimic the appearance of genuine websites. If you need to respond to a query, contact your bank from their secure home page - or give them a telephone call. Ways of contacting them will be on your credit card accounts or bank statements.

Answer: A GPS Tracker system

A Tracker system will assist in recovering the car should it get stolen. As for the speed trap detector, you would never exceed the speed limit, would you?

Answer: A closed padlock in the bottom corner

Not all sites are secure; always look for the closed padlock symbol and the letters HTTPS at the start of the website address. Also look for a landline telephone number and a postal address.

Answer: I've never been to Canada/bought a lottery ticket, this message goes into the bin.

To rework an old phrase from the British Lottery: "If you're not in it you can't win it". This is a scam, never provide bank account details to people you don't know - whether it's for a 'lottery win' or to that nice man from Hong Kong who has a 'legacy' he is just waiting to pass on to you.

Answer: No

If you do that's the last you'll see of your Merc or your $10,000. The scam is also operated for smaller goods you offer for sale on the internet. If you are selling a car privately, do not hand it over until the money is in your bank account.

Answer: Periodically take them back to your car and put them in the boot (trunk) with a friend looking after them.

Crooks are known to loiter about car parks looking for parcels in unguarded cars. It's always better to keep parcels with you - even if it means making several trips (or buying smaller presents).

Answer: No

This kind of approach often takes place at an outdoor event. You will be shown a lovely computer, or camera or other high value item. Then a switch will take place and you'll find the 'boxed' laptop actually contains a couple of phone books that weigh the same.

Answer: Of course, after you've shown me your identity documents

Never allow someone you don't know into your home. Always ask callers for their identity documents. If still in doubt, keep them outside while you telephone the organisation they claim to represent.