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Homeowners 'must secure property to avoid insurance claims'

09/08/06

Homeowners are being warned to secure their home if they are to avoid break-ins, which could lead to costly claims on their home building and contents insurance policies.

With schools across England currently closed for the summer holidays, many parents are choosing August to embark on a vacation for the whole family, but property advice website whathouse is urging them to take basic safety precautions before heading to the airport.

For instance, householders are advised to ensure no valuables are visible through the building's windows and that expensive items should be put into secure hiding places such as safety deposit boxes.

Furthermore, people are being told to lock all gates that approach the property and to consider installing a trellis on top of neighbouring walls and fences, which could hinder the ability of thieves to break into the building.

Alternatively, homeowners may be able to protect their no-claims discount from home contents insurance providers by setting up a burglar alarm and making sure that it is activated immediately before going away.

Rupert Bates, spokesperson for whathouse, warns that the holiday period is a particularly popular time for burglars to strike the average residential property.

"Buying a property is usually the single biggest purchase an individual makes in their lifetime, so it comes as no surprise that people want to protect their home and its possessions," he said.

"However, as almost half of all burglaries happen when a property is empty, homeowners need to be extra vigilant when locking up and leaving their property for long periods of time."

"By carrying out these simple tasks, you can help minimise the risk of burglary, allowing you to relax and enjoy that well-deserved break," he concluded.

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