Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Category:
Home Improvements
According to new research conducted by Direct Line Home insurance, householders are failing to make life difficult for burglars.
In fact, 44 percent of survey respondents admitted that they do not follow basic security steps such as locking their sheds and outbuildings. Furthermore, 66 percent of those questioned said that they do not lock gates, side passages or garden entrances. Just 27 percent were found to be chaining up bicycles, tools, and other possessions kept in outbuildings.
Findings also revealed that the most common months for burglaries are June and August respectively. In addition, the research established that 49 percent of victims were burgled during the day, and that 37 percent were actually in the property at the time.
Direct Line Home Insurance discovered that few householders are embarking upon permanent measures for deterring burglars. It would seem that just 28 percent have installed gates and fences, 12 percent have planted prickly hedges, and 11 percent have opted for a gravel driveway.
Head of Home Insurance at Direct Line, Andrew Lowe, commented: "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."
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Homeowners who are keen to enhance their property’s security could consider funding the desired work with a secured loan. One of many finance options available, a secured loan for
home improvements could pave the way to that all-important peace of mind by allowing the borrower to embark upon an array of projects in and around the premises. For example, a secure outbuilding could be constructed to house expensive garden furniture, tools and bicycles. A gravel driveway, burglar alarms and closed circuit television could also be introduced as a means of deterring prospective burglars. A secured loan could also be used to cover the cost of adding UPVC windows and doors, which could potentially be more secure than older versions.
