A BARKING dog or a CCTV camera are the best ways to deter a home burglar, according to a new survey of ex-convicts.

A new study published by Co-op Insurance revealed that ex-'cons' also avoided tampering with cars in areas with CCTV street cameras or a car alarm.

The study also revealed that 89 per cent of the ex-cons asked would be put off by a smart connected home, and two-thirds said they would steer clear of connected cars – because they said most thieves were opportunists who would avoid tricky break-ins.

They also warned about posting your holiday photos on social media, which reveal you are not at home.

Only 14 per cent of UK adults say they have installed CCTV, however, and if buying a barking dog simply to put off burglars seems a bad idea, Wiltshire Police have plenty of advice on how to keep your home more secure.

Their top tips include making sure you lock your doors and windows every time you leave the house, even if you are in the garden, and making sure you have approved locks on all doors and windows.

Make sure you never leave a spare key in a hiding place like a plant pot or a letterbox, and keeping all keys, purses and wallets out of sight and away from the letterbox.

They also suggest you consider installing a burglar alarm, using a company that is registered or certified with the NSI or the SSIAB, and that you do not open the door to anyone you don’t know or are not expecting.

These and many other ideas can be found at www.wiltshire.police.uk

Detective Superintendent Deb Smith, the force's head of crime, said: “Burglary can have a devastating effect on how people feel in their own homes.

“We urge all residents to follow our prevention messages and to work with us by reporting anything suspicious on 101.”

Former bank robber Noel ‘Razor’ Smith said: “As a former criminal, I know all the tricks homeowners use to keep their homes safe, that’s why I find it shocking that the Co-op’s research reveals 28 per cent of us don’t take any precautions whatsoever.

"Luckily there are some very simple steps everyone can take to make our homes more secure and keep our valuables safe.”

If you have any information about offenders, or see something suspicious, call Wiltshire Police on 101, or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111. In an emergency always dial 999.