Everest industry news
Brits leaving homes open to burglars
02 July 2008
Though most of us have taken sensible steps to reduce the chances of a burglary, a significant proportion have left themselves vulnerable to theft due to forgetfulness.This is according to a new Newcastle Building Society poll, which shows that more than one in ten Brits have left the house without locking the doors, while over a quarter have left windows unlocked.
Fitting windows locks, burglar alarms, deadlocks and night lights can help reduce home contents cover, as many people recognise, but a worrying proportion often neglect to make these deterrents count.
The building society found that 17 per cent of homeowners have left the house without switching on their burglar alarm.
"It stands to reason that leaving your home without locking the doors or setting the alarm creates a risk for burglary," said Steven Marks, lending executive at Newcastle Building Society.
He also observed that forgetfulness and negligence can invalidate insurance in the event of a burglary claim.
"If people really want to feel the benefits of their home contents cover they shouldn't leave their home at risk, even if it is just to pop to the shops," he explained.
According to home security experts, including reformed burglars and the police, the best way to prevent a break-in is to deter thieves with measures such as alarms, double glazing, strong locks and movement sensitive lights.
