Sainsbury’s Bank is encouraging people to ensure their homes remain secure this winter, as new researchreveals that one in 10 Britons have left their front door unlocked at night or whilst the property was unoccupied in the past 12 months.
Sainsbury’s Bank has compiled a new home security guide, which offers simple tips on reducing the risk of being burgled. As Christmas approaches, the bank is also reminding families not to leave any empty packaging on display outside their home that could draw attention to valuable gifts inside.
As the evenings draw in, research from Sainsbury’s Bank highlights that a significant proportion of people are overlooking some of the most basic home security measures. In the past year, almost a quarter (23 per cent) have left their home unoccupied with windows open, 9 per cent admitted to leaving a front door key ‘hidden’ somewhere outside their home, and 9 per cent have left conservatory doors unlocked at night or whilst the house was unoccupied.
The research also reveals that 15 per cent of households have given three or more sets of keys to people who do not live in their home, such as neighbours and cleaners. This trend is particularly pertinent amongst younger households, with 18 per cent of those aged 18 -24 saying their household has given seven or more sets of keys to non-residents.
With almost three quarters (72 per cent) of people now using social media sites, Sainsbury’s Bank is reminding users to consider the security of their home when posting public messages and updates about their whereabouts that could highlight their property is unoccupied. When questioned, more than a third (33 per cent) of people said they had updated their social media profile with details of their current location whilst away from home in the past year. In fact, 7 per cent of respondents admitted to doing so once a day or more, rising to 23 per cent of those aged 18-24.
David Barrett of Sainsbury’s Home Insurance said: “There are a number of measures that homeowners can take to ensure their properties remain safe and secure. These become even more important in the darker winter months when the risk of crime and accidents is heightened, which is why we developed our home security guide.
“We’re urging people to take extra care when it comes to home security, and this applies to the basics like locking windows and doors but also when using social media sites, particularly with the festive season just around the corner, and people heading off to stay with friends and family for the Christmas and New Year period. We’re also encouraging homeowners to make sure they have a good quality home insurance policy in place to ensure that should anything happen to their home, they are fully covered.”
Loading ...