A nice day for a burglary

19th August 2009

Householders are making burglars’ lives easier by not taking simple security measures to protect their properties and gardens, according to research from Direct Line Home Insurance.

Nearly half (44%) of those surveyed said they did not take simple measures such as locking sheds and outbuildings and two-thirds (66%) of people did not lock gates, side passages or garden entrances. Only one in four people (27%) chain up bikes, tools, and other items kept in outbuildings, leaving easy spoils for thieves.

The rush to enjoy the summer could have a negative effect on people’s security considerations, despite evidence that, after June, August is the most common month for burglary. Half (49%) of burglary victims surveyed were victimised during the day, and more than a third (37%) of burglaries happened while the householders were at home.

Few householders take more permanent measures to make their homes less attractive to burglars, with just one in four (28%) installing gates or fences and only one in ten planting prickly hedges (12%) or putting gravel on their drive (11%).

“There’s a strong temptation to take advantage of the good weather by opening doors and windows as soon as the sun comes out, but people should take extra care to prevent unwanted access to their homes and gardens, as carelessness can lead to rich pickings for opportunistic thieves. We suggest that householders ensure that there are no ladders or tools left in the garden where they could be spotted by burglars and used to help them break in. They should be kept in a shed or garage with adequate locks fitted.”

• When nobody is in your home, lock all outside doors and windows.
• When you are home, don’t leave outside doors or windows open if you’re not in the room.
• Put tools away and lock garden gates, sheds and garages to minimise opportunities for thieves to gain access.
• Security-mark your valuables with your postcode and house number, or keep a photo or video of them. If you are burgled, it will be easier to identify and recover your possessions and it can help when you make a claim.
• Fit deadlocks or key-operated security bolts to all external doors. · Fit a good quality, approved alarm – look out for British Standard BS4737 – and make sure you activate it, including at night.
• Fit key-operated metal locks to all your accessible windows.
• Never leave keys in a lock, within view of the door, or in a ‘secret’ hiding place like under the mat – burglars know where to look.

Visit www.directline.com for more advice on keeping your home secure.

For more tips on securing your home, please visit:
www.directline.com/home/home-security.htm

For more information contact:
Erica Nelson
Direct Line Press Office
020 8313 5830
07919 218045
Email: erica.nelson@rbs.co.uk

Opinium Research carried out an online poll of 2,070 British adults between 24th and 27th February 2009. Results have been weighted to nationally representative criteria.

Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home, travel and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line.

Direct Line is part of RBS Insurance, the second largest general insurer in the UK and is wholly owned by the Royal Bank of Scotland Group. Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0845 246 3564 or visiting www.directline.com

Direct Line Insurance plc is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Registered office: 3 Edridge Road, Croydon, Surrey CR9 1AG. Registered in England and Wales no. 01810801. The Financial Services Authority's Register can be accessed through http://www.fsa.gov.uk/