Owners’ basic security faux pas leave millions of homes at risk

As domestic burglary accounts for 15 per cent of all property-related crime with 789,000 incidents each year, The Co-operative Insurance is warning homeowners to take security precautions before they go away.  More than one in five people (21 per cent) have also left keys in view of windows and doors and 22 per cent do not put the burglar alarm on when leaving the house. More than one in 10 homeowners (12 per cent) have also left the garage or shed unlocked.

More than one in seven people (15 per cent) have left keys in a hiding place outside and 9% have posted their whereabouts on social media when they are not at home.

What’s more, many may not have the right levels of cover in place if they need to make a claim, as almost a quarter (22 per cent) have guessed the value of their property’s contents when taking out insurance, meaning they might not have the right levels of cover in place.

Caroline Hunter, head of home insurance at The Co-operative, says:

“Burglary is not a nice experience for anyone who finds themselves in this situation, yet many security risks can be easily prevented.  It is easy to be distracted when you’re busy getting ready to go away for the summer holidays but it is worth taking time to make some quick security checks for your own peace of mind.

“Being vigilant and paying attention to small details can not only help to prevent a burglary in the first place, but this can also speed up the claims process should you need to make a one.”

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Top tips to securing property and to reduce the risk of theft. 

• Don’t leave keys in the window locks or where they can be seen from the outside. It means they can be located more easily by people attempting to break in to the property.
• Keep track of your keys.Some insurers may want to see evidence of forced entry before deciding whether or not to pay out on a claim but most would expect to see that individuals have taken reasonable precautions when it comes to home security
• If you lose your key or it’s stolen and you have good reason to believe that it could be traced back to your home address (for example, handbag stolen and with your address in the bag as well as the keys), then you should have your locks replaced
• If you have smaller, high value items that you usually leave outdoors or in a shed, think about bringing them indoors
• Make sure outbuildings including sheds are locked. Back gates should also be locked and it is a good idea to check that fencing is also secure
• Securing outside ladders will ensure they can’t be used as a tool to help break into your house
• If you have a burglar alarm then use it – it’s an extra level of securityso why wouldn’t you?
• Report a theft to the police as soon as possible and obtain a crime reference number.This makes it easier for your insurer to deal with a claim and increases the chances of the police making a recovery / arrest
• Be sensible about the information you post online and be especially cautious if you plan to go away.  Update your privacy and security settings on a regular basis.
• If you are holidaying in the UK, make sure your belongings are kept out of sight if you have to leave them in a car unattended. They should be locked in the glove box or in the boot.

It is also a good idea to take the following steps which could make life easier should the worst happen:

• Take photographs or digital images of valuable and valued items and keep their receipts or valuations
• Recording serial numbers may help the police recover items following a theft
• Consider registering an inventory of your valued belongings on https://www.immobilise.com/ – this is supported by most UK Police forces