Monday, June 1, 2009
Category:
Home Improvements
According to Halifax Home Insurance, the onset of the recession has left 14 percent of householders feeling more exposed to the threat of burglary.
This concern would appear to be warranted judging by the 4 percent rise in domestic burglary between October and December 2008 compared to the same period a year earlier.
The results of the survey conducted by Halifax revealed that 24 percent of respondents had been burgled at some point during the course of their life. However, irrespective of this, it was established that many are still not taking the necessary steps to adequately protect their belongings. 20 percent of respondents admitted to not storing their valuable possessions out of sight of prospective thieves, and 22 percent admitted to not locking their doors and windows whilst at home. To add to this, 17 percent claimed not to have home contents insurance.
When it comes to the value of items on display through front windows, the survey highlighted that many are unaware of their worth. 52 percent provided conservative estimates at less than £5,000, while 15 percent were completely at a loss as to what value to put on their visible possessions.
During the past 5 years, Halifax Home Insurance has received in excess of 44,000 burglary claims to the sum of over £82 million. Their claims data reveals that 29 percent of such claims were for ‘unforced burglary’, whereby the burglar would have entered the property via an open or unlocked door or window for example.
Senior claims manager, Martyn Foulds, commented: "It is surprising to see that so many people are effectively advertising their valuables to thieves by leaving them visible through windows, and the fact that many are leaving windows and doors unlocked means it can be all too tempting for burglars to reach in and grab whatever they can. We'd recommend householders take a few moments before they leave the house, and before going to bed, to make sure valuables are out of sight."
Halifax Home Insurance has offered householders some advice to make life more difficult for would-be thieves: Ensure that valuables are kept out of sight; use an ultra violet light pen to mark up belongings just in case they are stolen; retain receipts as proof of purchase in case a claim needs to be made; consider investing in a safe for storing small valuables; have expensive jewellery valued by a reputable jeweller every three years; install visible, key operated locks on doors and windows and put them to use; do not hide keys outside the home; and fit a burglar alarm in a visible location for use at night and when away from the property.
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Homeowners that are concerned about the risk of burglary, but do not have the funds available to implement additional security measures, may wish to consider taking out a
home improvement loan to make vital improvements in order to increase household security. One of many finance options available, a home improvement loan could be used to fund an array of projects such as building secure walls around the parameters of a property. Gravel driveways, security lights, burglar alarms and closed circuit television could also be introduced if desired. In addition, a home improvement loan could be used to fund replacement UPVC doors and windows throughout a home.
