Presents
Research has found that 72% of Brits feel more at risk of burglaries at Christmas, yet only one in four increase home security during this expensive time of year. Research shows a 63% increase in burglaries during the winter months at an average cost of £2,623*.
Generous Brits are expected to spend an average of £250 on presents this Christmas and, according to research, the most likely hiding place for all these presents is under the bed (34%). However, with more luxury gifts, food and drink in the house than at any other time of the year, the average home very quickly becomes a tempting place for opportunistic burglars.
To help homeowners be security savvy this Christmas, Confused.com Home Insurance have enlisted ex-burglar and home security expert Michael Fraser to offer tips and advice on how to keep your home safe.
Michael Fraser’s top ten tips to avoid break ins
- Don't leave door keys in obvious hiding places such as underneath a pot or a mat or dangling in the letterbox. Thieves know all the tricks…
- Keep hedges at the front of the property low – don’t give the burglar the cover he requires.
- Paint drainpipes with anti-climb paint and install motion sensitive security lighting around the exterior of the property.
- Fit a brightly coloured burglar alarm and place high up and prominently to the exterior of your house
- Always lock up tools and garden furniture that will help a burglar break in
- Always shred confidential paperwork before disposing of it
- Take dated photographs of your rooms so that in case you are the victim of a burglary, you can provide photographic evidence of your contents
- Keep suitcases in your loft or attic as these can be used to carry valuables away
- Make sure your presents and receipts aren’t visible from outside and don’t keep the presents all in one place – make it difficult for the burglar
- Make sure you have a good insurance policy to protect yourself if the worst does happen
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