UK Home Insurance News

Thursday, August 04, 2005

 

British homes vulnerable to theft

A new survey by Prudential Home Insurance has revealed that householders are not doing enough to safeguard their homes from burglary.

Despite the fact that one-in-five have experienced a burglary, they currently spend on average less than £25 a year on home security and a fifth (22%) of the nation is spending absolutely nothing. To ensure homeowners don?t add to the statistics, Prudential has teamed up with a reformed burglar to provide some essential tips to keep their homes off a burglar?s radar.

Mark Whiteley, who now lives a very different life as an actor and writer, offers some insight into the thief?s mind: ?Burglars are opportunists who like an easy life; they go for places which are easy to access so a few simple things can put them off trying straight away. My most important piece of advice is to try and break in to your own home and see how easy it is. This will identify your home?s weak security spots.? Whiteley continued: ?I used to make a lot of money from stolen power tools and bikes. One deterrent is to install sturdy locks on sheds and garages - thieves would much prefer to not have the trouble of entering your home at all and still walk-away with the jackpot. Also, don?t tempt burglars by leaving portable valuables such as iPods, mobile phones and PlayStations on view from outside the house - if you?re going out, hide these things away.?

On a positive note, the survey proves neighbourhood spirit still lives on, with over three quarters (78%) of those surveyed confirming they asked a neighbour to keep an eye on their home when they were on holiday. Nigel Charlesworth, Prudential Home Insurance spokesman commented: ?For as little as £1302 a homeowner can install a complete burglar alarm system, together with motion-sensored security lights and British standard or mortice locks. By taking action before they leave British holidaymakers should be able to leave their home unoccupied this summer safe in the knowledge that they have taken steps to outwit the burglars.?

Worryingly, the survey revealed that almost a third (27.9%) of those surveyed do not know if the locks on their front door or windows comply with the requirements of their home insurance provider, leaving them at risk of invalidating their policy. Charlesworth continued: ?Although the best advice is to avoid being burgled altogether, homeowners should also regularly check your home contents insurance policy to make sure it is up-to-date and that you have specified expensive items such as jewellery or bikes. This will help to ensure that should the worst happen, you are at the very least covered for all your belongings.?

10 tips from Prudential and former burglar, Mark Whiteley:

1. Think like a thief ? try to break into your own home.
2. Don?t kit out a burglar with the tools for the job. Keep ladders and tools locked up.
3. Keep hedges low, particularly at the front of your home.
4. Lock all doors and windows when you go out ? even if it?s just for a few minutes.
5. Install simple security devices to deter would-be criminals.
6. Don?t underestimate the power of your pooch ? burglars don?t like strange dogs.
7. If you?re going away on holiday make sure your home looks occupied.
8. Keep your valuables out of sight.
9. Mark and log your valuables ? and take a photograph of them too.
10. And last ? but not least ? don?t buy stolen goods.

posted by UK Insurance Index  @ 12:44 PM

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