Everest industry news

24 October 2008

Britons feel they are at greater risk of burglary than ever before, according to new research.

A study by insurer Norwich Union revealed that as the darker nights draw in and the credit crunch takes its toll, they are more likely to have their homes broken into.

One in three people now fear their home is more vulnerable as a direct result of the credit crunch, while 39 per cent said properties are more at risk when the clocks go back.

Despite this, Britons are being complacent with their home security as 20 per cent still do not lock their windows and doors at nights.

Around 13 per cent admit to leaving their windows open when they are out and over a quarter do not think about home security at all.

Burglar turned home security expert Bob Turney said: "Quite simply a would-be burglar is looking for an attractive proposition, be it a purse left on a table or a set of car keys hanging by the back door, so don't make it easy for them.

"We're not talking about turning homes into fortresses, just simple steps that will make a criminal think again before they target you."

Home security improvements needed to prevent burglary

One in ten homes have been targeted by burglars in the past five years, new research reveals.

A study by Direct Line Home Insurance shows that this is the equivalent of around 2.4 million homes that have either suffered burglary or had an obvious attempted burglary over the period.

London homes have been the most affected by burglary or attempted burglaries, while the north-east and north-west of the country were next in line.

The study showed that the south-west and Wales were the safest areas in the UK, with just six per cent having been affected by burglary in the past five years.

Savvy homeowners are adopting simple home security measures to help cut the chances of being victims.

Nearly half leave the lights on when they go out so it looks as though someone is still inside, while 35 per cent keep curtains drawn when lights are on so opportunistic thieves cannot look inside.

Commenting, Andrew Lowe, head of Direct Line Home Insurance, said: "Opportunistic thieves may well be on the prowl as winter approaches and dark nights close in.

"A few security improvements may prevent you from becoming a victim of burglary and keep your possessions safe. Our research shows people living in areas with a higher rate of burglary are less likely to carry out simple security enhancements such as locking windows at night."