Keep a gun under your pillow: life with an undercover officer in Northern Ireland

Susan Phoenix learned valuable lessons during her husband's clandestine career during the Troubles

Susan Phoenix learned a lesson about living with an undercover police officer in Northern Ireland during the Troubles when she cleaned the family car.

Why did you make the car so bloody clean?" said her husband, Ian. It looks lovely," she replied. Lovely enough so that anyone can read the number plates. From now on they're to be left dirty. It makes it more difficult for potential murderers to identify us," Ian responded.

When answering the phone, do not give your name or number.

When driving home, check if are you being followed and if suspicious, double back.

Vary routes and times of trips - irregularity is a friend.

When socialising, lie about Ian's job.

Let the dogs out first at night - they will tell if strangers are nearby.

Keep a gun under the pillow. A large handbag can conceal a gun in public.

Keep fire extinguishers and torches in all rooms.

Do not hang uniforms on the washing line. Dry clean them only with a trusted dry cleaner.

Check the car for booby-traps. If in a public place, drop keys next to the car to give a pretext to check underneath. Start the engine with the boot open to dissipate any blast.