Home insurance warning as burglaries rise

Friday, 24 April 2009 12:00

Householders are warned not to cut back on insurance in the recession as figures show a four per cent rise in burglaries.

Burglaries have now risen for two successive quarters, confirming predictions that thefts will increase during the downturn.

Darren Black, head of home insurance at Confused.com, said: "It's not surprising to see an increase in burglaries; it's one of the more unfortunate and sinister affects of the recession.

"It is essential that all households take whatever steps they can to protect themselves."

Insurers are warning homeowners to maintain their insurance even if they are making cutbacks elsewhere.

Nick Starling, director of general insurance and health for the Association of British Insurers (ABI), added: "Many families will be looking to trim their budgets as the recession bites, but cutting back on home insurance is a false economy.

"Last year, insurers paid over 6,000 claims, paying out some £7 million, every week, to burglary victims."

Norwich Union has been working with the police to help households protect their homes and has come up with some tips:

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• Make sure you lock your doors and windows properly when you're not home. If you have special window locks or padlocks on sheds or garages, use them!
  
• Don't leave valuable items on display - thieves are like magpies and will notice that sparkly ring on your window sill.
  
• Don't leave tell tale clues that you might not be home, like a build up of milk bottles, parcels or post. If you're going away, cancel deliveries and ask a neighbour to do a quick check of your home every couple of days and install timers to switch lights or radios on and off automatically if you're not home.
  
• Stay tidy - faulty fence work, loose gates, rubbish in the front garden, all give the impression that your home could be an easy target.
  

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