Press Releases
Christmas can be a gift to burglars
Friday, 2nd December 2011
With Christmas just around the corner and the night’s drawing in, the team at Insure4Retirement (I4R), the Bournemouth based insurance specialists for the over 50s, is urging householders to be vigilant in the run up to the festive season and beyond.
As I4R Managing Director, David Holden, comments, ‘Before and after Christmas homes are full of treats and presents, which are rich pickings for burglars. In addition, everyone is generally more relaxed and less alert to the dangers because of the festivities. Plus, of course, the longer hours of darkness at this time of year can provide the cover burglars need to commit more crime.’
Alarmingly, domestic burglaries rose by 14% in 2011*
With the national crime statistics released earlier in the year showing an increase in domestic burglaries of 14%*, there’s even more reason for homeowners to be careful this Christmas and into 2012.
And research by Ageas Insurance has shown that Britain’s householders are effectively providing a ‘Shop Window’ for burglars putting, on average, £1223 of valuables such as TV’s, other electronic goods, antiques and works of art on display, through home windows.
The same research shows that people seem relaxed about the security of their home, with, for example, just under one in two adults (47%) not locking their front door when they are at home, even though this provides a perfect opportunity for sneak-in crime.*
Get home security all wrapped up for Christmas
The UK’s Neighbourhood Watch Trust recommends the following tips to householders to help them theft-proof their homes:
- Don't leave valuables in sight; fitting blinds or net curtains will make it harder for burglars to see into property plus avoid leaving empty boxes from valuable recent purchases where they can be seen, such as by the bin.
- Windows; most burglars will want to enter a property from the rear and will often force a window, so fit visibly secure windows with key operated locks.
- Lighting; burglars don't like lights so fit external PIR lamps and timer switches indoors for operation during the hours of darkness.
- Be alarmed; many homes still do not have a burglar alarm but this should be considered an essential security measure for householders.
- Doors; external doors should be strong, in good condition and secured to a high standard with five lever mortice deadlocks or extra sliding bolts, with special attention being paid to vulnerable French doors.
- Gates and fences; both need to be sturdy, in good condition and 6 ft tall. Gates should be lockable from the inside. Adding a prickly shrub, like hawthorne, against fences makes another good deterent.
- Spare keys; these should never be hidden in a convenient location, trust a neighbour or handy friend with one instead.
- Safes; these are perfect for cash, valuables and important paperwork, from cheque books to passports.
- Mark property; names, addresses and postcodes, either etched onto valuables or written on them with ultraviolet pen, helps possessions to be identified and returned should the police recover them. Photographs are also useful.
- Don't advertise absences; avoid putting details of holidays on social networking sites.
Caution and vigilance are not just for Christmas
Of course, the same standards of care should be applied by householders all year round, to keep their homes and belongings safe and secure.
And should householders want more information about the home insurance products I4R provides or wish to receive a quotation based upon their requirements, they should call I4R's friendly, helpful and knowledgeable team FREE on 0800 479 0064 or visit www.insure4retirement.co.uk. Don’t forget that during this festive month the maximum claim limit for your contents increases by 10%, to ensure all your gifts, food, drink etc are covered. For more information please contact I4R today.
*www.ageas-uk.co.uk - 2011
