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Careless homeowners hand keys to thieves

14/06/06

Thieves could steal as much as £750 million this summer as a direct result of people leaving keys lying around their homes, according to a new report.
 
The latest Cash for Keys report from Norwich Union Insurance has revealed that 80 per cent of British people keep up to five sets of keys in their home, with half storing them all in the same place.
 
In addition, one in eight households keep labels on their keys, giving thieves clear directions to their next target.
 
Paul Redington, Norwich Union claims manager, commented: "The research findings have highlighted some pitfalls in home security allowing thieves to cash in on a jackpot of keys that literally open the doors to cars, motorbikes, garages, safety deposit boxes and neighbours' houses."
 
A massive 83 per cent of Britons admit to having given out spare sets of their keys, with a third giving keys to their neighbours and 22 per cent handing keys to people such as plumbers or babysitters who never returned them.
 
Worryingly, 40 per cent of homeowners still think that it is safe to hide a spare set of keys outside their house in case they lose their own keys, despite the fact that thieves are aware of all the best hiding places.
 
Mr Redington highlights the importance of locking both spare and car keys in a secure place while on holiday, to avoid giving burglars a helping hand.
 
In addition, he says: "We would urge people to review their home insurance policies to ensure they have sufficient cover in the event of a burglary."
 
Obtaining home insurance from a reputable company will help give you the peace of mind that, in the event of a burglary, your belongings are covered.