You may think your home is adequately protected against break-ins, yet a new survey suggests many burglars believe householders' security is not good enough.

The survey, carried out on behalf of Halifax Home Insurance, included consultation with a group of convicted burglars, found that many who were determined to gain entry would try to find ways around most obstacles. Even more worrying is that the study revealed many of them were highly confident they could commit their crimes without any consequences, and many even regarded prison as a school for honing their burglary skills.

Therefore, householders need to use as many security methods as possible to stay a step ahead.

An activated alarm linked to a formal response will deter some thieves, although these should be used properly. According to the survey, up to a third of householders with an alarm fitted to their home rarely activated it, and many believed alarms sounding on neighbours' homes were false.

Burglar alarms were often not set at night, and even during the day when the house was unoccupied. Even when an alarm was set, burglars felt they had some time before the police arrived, noting that the public don't take much notice.

In some cases, security measures work to a burglar's advantage, for example using security lights as a handy light to work by. Others reposition motion sensors to prevent them from illuminating when they pass. Therefore, make sure lights and sensors are positioned out of reach.

Although burglars have been known to dismantle doors and windows, sometimes they don't need to - they are often left unsecured, or even wide open.

Some householders surveyed left doors unlocked while away, while many did so while inside the home. Window and door locks make access more difficult especially for the opportunist.

In high crime areas some burglars advised fitting bars and grilles to vulnerable windows to stop anyone climbing through. Also, make sure burglars cannot grab keys through the letterbox.

Generally, burglars like to access properties from the rear, so make sure you have adequate fences and locked gates. Alleyways provide an easy access and escape route, so fit wrought iron gates and ensure they are locked, as burglars see these as a deterrent.

Obviously burglars do not want to be seen, and trees and hedges offer ideal cover. Furthermore, the effectiveness of CCTV is often mitigated by wearing disguises such as hats. As well as wearing gloves to ensure no DNA or prints are left at the scene, carrier bags are sometimes worn over shoes to ensure there are no footprints.

Burglars often look for visual clues that a house is unoccupied, such as an empty drive. Lights, televisions and radios left on are deterrents, although leaving the curtains closed can actually encourage burglars who believe it indicates the occupants are on holiday. If the property is going to be vacant for an extended period, ask a trusted neighbour to open and close curtains, collect milk from the doorstep, turn lights on and off, and remove unopened post that is visible. However, a house does not have to be empty to be burgled, as some offenders pose as a bogus caller to gain entry.

According to the survey, many burglars said they didn't like dogs because their bark draws attention, and they can also bite, so a warning sign can be a deterrent. However, poisoned meat has been been used to silence them.

Burglars will often burgle garages and sheds to get tools to help them get into the house. So pay attention to your garage and shed security.

For crime prevention advice, visit the Metropolitan Police website www.met.police.uk/ crimeprevention or Home Office site www.homeoffice.gov.uk/ crime-victims