Friday, May 7, 2010
Category:
Secured Loans
According to Aviva, an analysis of ten years worth of data has revealed that homes require a little attention from owners before they jet off on holiday – particularly sheds and gardens.
The number of thefts from outside properties reportedly begins to rise as lighter evenings commence in March, with this level increasing steadily until a peak in July and August. The analysis showed that at this point, the number of thefts is virtually 60 percent higher than in January when we experience darker evenings.
Household underwriter at Aviva, Jonathan Cracknell, commented: "Most homeowners are pretty savvy when it comes to securing their main home while they are away, but it's easy to forget that garden tools, expensive children's toys, bikes and lawnmowers all make rich pickings for opportunist thieves too, so make sure they are also locked away and out of sight before you head to the airport.
"Of course the key with any security while you are on holiday is to not to advertise that your home is empty, so don't leave wheelie bins out, leave a car in the drive if you can and have some lights on timers to come on in the evenings and early mornings.
"We also see a rise in household leaks in the summer months, more frequent use of showers, baths and air conditioning units all put pressure on potential problem pipes, so having a neighbour check on your home every now and then will help it stay secure and dry!"
Aviva has recommended taking the following security measures when leaving a property vacant:
- Give a key to a responsible friend or relative so that they can check your home on a regular basis.
- In order to avoid loose garden items being stolen, used to cause damage, or used as a means of breaking in, put them away in a secure shed or garage.
- Ensure that the locks on your shed or garage have not gone rusty and that they are robust.
- Attempt to hide or cover large items that cannot be locked away, such as gas barbeques.
- Ask a neighbour or friend to draw your curtains in the evenings, move mail away from the letterbox, and put rubbish bins back in their usual spot following a collection.
- Light the property in the evenings by means of timer switches.
- Leave a car sitting in the driveway if possible.
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Homeowners who would like to increase the level of security in and around their property could consider taking out a
secured loan to fund any work that is deemed necessary. One of many finance options available, a secured loan for home improvements could allow borrowers to eliminate an array of existing concerns and niggles. For example, any weak doors or windows could be replaced with stronger counterparts and fitted with reliable locks. What’s more, homeowners could invest in external lighting, gravel driveways and even closed circuit television in a bid to achieve peace of mind.
