Friday, August 21, 2009
Category:
Home Improvements
Halifax Home Insurance recently reminded homeowners that they should be cautious about leaving their windows and doors open.
Figures from the home office are said to reveal that burglary has risen by 4 per cent for another quarter. Since the start of the recession, one in seven feel more at risk of burglary compared to before. During August, burglaries which don’t require force usually peak.
Despite figures showing that burglary is still rising, many homeowners still fail to take steps to protect their homes from opportunists. Nearly a quarter don’t keep windows and doors locked when they are at home and one in six have no home contents insurance meaning the cost of valuables will not be regained if they become victims of burglary. According to Halifax’s data, almost a third, 29% of burglaries were unforced and reached a peak in August when weather is warmest.
Senior Claims Manager Martyn Foulds says: "When it's warm outside people often leave windows and doors open to keep cool, but many don't realise that burglaries often happen while the homeowners are at home, as opportunist burglars reach in through open doors and windows to grab whatever they can. Small items such as wallets, car keys, MP3 players and digital cameras are particularly at risk. We'd recommend people close windows when they are not in the room and lock their front door when they are out in the back garden."
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Homeowners who would like to improve security in their homes and who are looking for finance to do so, could consider funding the improvements with a
secured loan. In older properties, replacing doors and windows with a newer UPVC type may help prevent forced entry via windows and doors as hinges and locks may be stronger. A secured loan could also be used to implement additional security measures around the perimeter of a property such as new fences or replacing fences with stronger walls. Secured loans are just one of many options to fund home improvements.
